Yams are used in a variety of culinary dishes and can be prepared in numerous ways. They can be boiled, steamed, roasted, baked, or fried and used in both sweet and savory recipes. Yams are commonly mashed and served as a side dish, added to soups, stews, and curries, or used as a filling for pies, cakes, and other desserts. In some cultures, yams are fermented, dried, or ground into flour for use in bread, porridge, and other baked goods.