Hot Sweet Potato and Parsnip Stew

There are two kinds of sweet potato (sometimes called yams in the US) - one with yellow/white flesh, the other orange. The latter are a beautiful colour and look especially good in curry or spiced dishes. Do not overcook them; they cook more quickly than ordinary potatoes and should not be allowed to get mushy, which they will do very willingly. This recipe is more West Indian than Far Eastern. Eat it with brown rice or cous cous as one of several spiced dishes.