Fall is the time of year when sweet potatoes are in season and at their lowest cost. So, I've gathered some of my best tips on how to cook sweet potatoes so you can take advantage of this healthy and delicious ingredient.
Sweet potatoes are a versatile root vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. They are rich with natural sweetness that makes them perfect for both sweet and savory recipes.
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❤️ Favorite things about sweet potatoes
- Sweet potatoes are more than just the perfect side dish; they are a versatile, nutrient-rich ingredient that can pair with any meal.
- Also, their natural sweetness pairs well with a wide range of flavors from maple syrup to chili powder, which makes for endless possibilities.
- They are also incredibly nutritious and packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, beta carotene, potassium, and fiber.
How To Store Sweet Potatoes
You must store your sweet potatoes properly to stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible, which can help you reduce food waste in your household!
Raw: Store them in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, like a pantry or cabinet. Don't store them in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to become hard and spoil faster.
When storing sweet potatoes, make sure to keep them away from onions or garlic. These vegetables contain ethylene gas, which can cause sweet potatoes to sprout and spoil quickly.
Cooked: Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They can last for up to five days this way.
For longer storage, try freezing them. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method can keep your sweet potatoes fresh for up to six months.
Now, let's explore the various ways to cook sweet potatoes.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baking is one of the simplest and most delicious ways to prepare sweet potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt.
Pierce them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place the sweet potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Bake for 45-60 minutes or until they are tender and the skin is crispy. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings, such as melted butter, sour cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Slow Cooker
If you're short on time or don't want to heat up your oven, using a slow cooker is a great alternative. Place the whole sweet potatoes in the slow cooker and cook them on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
You can also add some liquid, such as water or broth, to keep them moist. Once they are done cooking, they will be soft and tender and ready to enjoy.
Whole Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a game-changer for cooking whole sweet potatoes quickly. Start by washing and scrubbing the sweet potatoes. Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and add one cup of water.
Arrange the sweet potatoes on the trivet in a single layer. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, depending on the size of the sweet potatoes.
Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release. The result is perfectly cooked sweet potatoes with a creamy texture.
Air Fryer
To make them in the air fryer, you will need to poke holes in them with a fork and then cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. The result will be crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, without any added oil or grease.
How to boil sweet potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform cubes or slices. Place them in a pot cover with cold water, and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and serve immediately, or mash them with a little butter and brown sugar.
Sweet Potato Recipes
- Sweet Crunch Potato Casserole is a delicious recipe that is always a star on holiday tables. Your friends and family will rave about this recipe.
- These Sweet Potato Cookies are a great way to add something a little different to your dessert table and still enjoy this root vegetable.
- Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the air fryer is the perfect easy side when you need to get dinner on the table quickly and without a lot of fuss.
- Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole is one of the most delicious sweet potato recipes that you will ever put in your mouth. It tastes just like the restaurant favorite.
- These Whipped Sweet Potatoes are a simple recipe that doesn't take long to make and tastes amazing. Even the picky eaters in your home will love these creamy and sweet potatoes.
- Candied Sweet Potatoes are a great way to save a little time in the kitchen and still make a hearty side dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
Although I like sweet potatoes in any shape or method of cooking, I still prefer the oven method. It reminds me of my grandma and the smell of my mom's kitchen during winter.
I would love to know what is your favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes. Leave me a comment below and let me know.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium sweet potatoes
Instructions
- Scrub the sweet potatoes clean.
Oven Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Using a sharp knife cut a slit with in the middle or poke all around with a fork
- Place sweet potatoes on a foil lined baking sheet and bake in the middle of your oven for 45-60 minutes or until tender to your liking.
Slow Cooker Instruction:
- Place sweet potatoes in your slow cooker, cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Air Fryer Instructions:
- Using a sharp knife cut a slit with in the middle or poke all around with a fork
- Air fry the sweet potatoes on 400F for 30-40 minutes until tender and soft.
Instant Pot Instructions:
- Pour 1 cup of water in a 6 quart Instant Pot.
- Using a sharp knife cut a slit with in the middle or poke all around with a fork
- Add the trivet then arrange sweet potatoes on top.
- Secure the lid and turn the valve into the sealing position.
- Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes then use manual release.
Boiling Instructions:
- Peel sweet potatoes and cut into 2-inch circles or cubes.
- Place in a large pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 30 minutes or until tender to your liking..
- Drain and enjoy.
Nutrition
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