Yam recipes

Sacramento-style black bean soup with smoked ham, New Mexico chile, chipotle peppers, cumin, and oregano. Pureed smooth and topped with homemade creme fraiche and red bell pepper.

Southwest black bean soup simmers dried beans with smoky ham, chipotle, and cumin, then purees half for a velvety body. Topped with creme fraiche and red bell pepper for a smoky, hearty bowl.

Chinese noodle soup with fresh ginger, cellophane noodles, ham, watercress, snow peas, and mushrooms in a soy-sesame broth. A light, aromatic 30-minute soup with crisp vegetables and rice vinegar tang.

Traditional Chinese hot and sour soup with shredded pork, wood ears, black mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and silky egg ribbons. Thickened with cornstarch and spiced with white pepper and chili oil.

Mandarin hot and sour soup with shredded pork, tofu, wood ears, bamboo shoots, and silky egg ribbons in a tangy chili-vinegar broth. Restaurant-quality Chinese classic.

If you're having guests over, then try serving this succulent seafood dish that will have everyone giving compliments to the chef.

Emily's bean soup simmers seven dried beans and lentils with a meaty ham bone, tomatoes, and vegetables into a thick hearty pot. Old-fashioned cold-weather comfort.

Massive pot of black bean cassoulet soup with garlic sausage, Italian sausage, bratwurst, and a meaty ham bone. Simmered for 5 hours with sherry, brown sugar, and lemon. Feeds 16.

Hearty pinto bean and ham soup simmered low and slow with a bold herb blend of cumin, oregano, rosemary, and chili powder. A splash of sherry at the end adds warmth and depth. Pure comfort in a bowl.

Hearty black bean cassoulet soup loaded with three kinds of sausage, a meaty ham bone, cumin, oregano, and a splash of dry sherry. Feeds a crowd of 16 with a sour cream finish.

Lobster and roasted corn chowder with bacon, smoked ham hock, and a Southwestern kick from jalapeño and green chiles. A creamy bowl built from a lobster-stock base and pan-charred corn kernels.

Gumbo z'herbes, the New Orleans green gumbo: spinach, mustard, turnip, and collard greens simmered with smoked pork, ham, and oysters, spiced Creole-style and served over rice with file powder.

Authentic Ukrainian borscht from Kiev with beef chuck, ham bone, oven-roasted beets, cabbage, potatoes, and prunes for subtle sweetness. Topped with sour cream, dill, and crumbled bacon. Serves 12.