I learned that sweet potatoes are the single healthiest vegetable. They’re loaded with carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. You can dress them up a bunch of different ways, but this simple puree is ideal.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　2 large sweet potatoes

　　Salt and freshly ground black pepper

　　

Step 1

Prick the skin of the sweet potatoes with a fork. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high until they are completely tender, about 13 minutes, turning them once halfway through cooking.

　　

Step 2

Split the sweet potatoes in half, and scoop the flesh into the bowl of a food processor. Puree the sweet potatoes until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste; serve warm.

　　

nutrition information

Step 3

Fat: 30g (before), 0g (after)

　　

Step 4

Calories: 390 (before), 70 (after)

　　

Step 5

Protein: 1g

　　

Step 6

Carbohydrates: 16g

　　

Step 7

Cholesterol: 0mg

　　

Step 8

Fiber: 2g

　　

Step 9

Sodium: 190mg

　　Now Eat This by Rocco DiSpirito. Copyright © 2010 by Rocco DiSpirito. Published by Random House Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Hailed as the "Leading Chef of his Generation" by Gourmet magazine, Rocco DiSpirito received the James Beard Award for his first cookbook, Flavor. He went on to author Rocco's Italian-American (2004), Rocco's Five Minute Flavor (2005), Rocco's Real-Life Recipes (2007), and Rocco Gets Real (2009). DiSpirito also starred in the Food Network series Melting Pot, the NBC hit reality series The Restaurant, and the A&E series Rocco Gets Real.