Braised Cinnamon Anise Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup sliced green onion
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili paste with garlic
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• peeled fresh ginger, crushed (6 1/4-inch slices)
• 2 (3 inch)  cinnamon sticks
• 1 whole star anise, crushed
• 4 cups water
• 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons sake (rice wine) or sherry wine
• 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons minced green onions

Directions

1. 1

   Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 3/4 cup onions and next 6 ingredients (3/4 cup onions through anise); stir-fry 15 seconds.

2. 2

   Add water, soy sauce, and sake; bring to a boil. Add potatoes. Reduce heat; simmer 25 minutes or until tender.

3. 3

   Cool to room temperature. Remove potatoes from cooking liquid with a slotted spoon.

4. 4

   Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons onions.