6 Different Methods for Cooking Sweet Potatoes 

Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be cooked in a variety of different ways. Whether you prefer to bake, fry, steam, mash, or roast them, there’s a method for everyone. There are even creative ways to cook sweet potatoes such as adding them to casseroles, soups, and salads. Enjoy the health benefits of this vitamin-rich root vegetable and the unique flavours that come with it.

With this blog post, we’ll explore five different methods for cooking sweet potatoes so you can get the most out of this delicious and nutritious vegetable. You’ll also get to know how to choose and store sweet potatoes. Read on to learn more about each technique and discover your favourite way to cook sweet potatoes!

Method # 1. Baking

Baking is a great way to enjoy sweet potatoes. Baked sweet potatoes have a naturally sweet and savoury flavour, and they are packed with vitamins and minerals. These can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, as they can be prepared in a variety of ways. You can bake them whole, cut them into wedges, or make sweet potato fries.

How to bake sweet potatoes?

Wash the potatoes thoroughly, dry them off, cut them into wedges, and lightly oil them with olive oil or vegetable oil. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place them on a baking sheet. Space the wedges apart. If they’re too close they will steam instead of bake, therefore turning soggy. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, flipping halfway through the process. To test if they are done, poke them with a fork – they should be soft and tender when cooked through.

For extra flavour, you can add herbs and spices like garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, and thyme while baking. You can also top them with yogurt or add sliced goat cheese for a delicious cheesy bake.

Method # 2. Pan-Frying

Frying sweet potatoes is a great way to cook them up quickly and add some extra flavour to your sweet potato recipes. It is a popular method that results in deliciously crispy sweet potato dishes, such as sweet potato fries, hash browns, and more.

How to make sweet potato fries?

Simply heat oil in a skillet and add the cut-up sweet potatoes. Stir them frequently to prevent burning and cook until they are golden brown and crispy. When frying sweet potatoes, choosing the right type of oil is important. Olive oil is a great option for frying sweet potatoes, as it is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. Avocado oil is also a great choice, as it is high in antioxidants and healthy fats.

Besides adding delicious texture to your sweet potato recipes, frying sweet potatoes can also provide you with some added health benefits. It helps to increase the carotenoid content of potatoes, which are compounds that are beneficial for your health.

Method # 3. Roasting

Roasting sweet potatoes is a great way to bring out the delicious flavour of this vegetable. Roasting also helps to keep the potato intact, making it perfect for a variety of sweet potato recipes or dishes.

How to make roasted sweet potatoes?

To roast your sweet potatoes, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut your sweet potatoes into wedges, cubes, or fry shapes. Spread them on a baking sheet, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and tender. For added flavour, you can add a sprinkle of your favourite seasonings such as rosemary, garlic, or thyme.

Roasted sweet potatoes are a great side dish for any meal and can be used in a variety of recipes. Try roasting sweet potato fries or use roasted sweet potatoes in a salad or burrito bowl. You can also mash your roasted sweet potatoes and serve them as a creamy side dish or enjoy them mashed with applesauce and spices as an easy and comforting dinner.

Method # 4. Boiling

Mashed sweet potatoes are one of the most popular sweet potato recipes. Boiling is also one of the best methods for preserving the sweet potato’s nutritional benefits, such as vitamin A and potassium.

How to make mashed sweet potatoes?

To make mashed sweet potatoes, start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Cut them into cubes and place them into a pot of boiling water. Boil the potatoes until they are soft and can easily be pierced with a fork, usually around 10-15 minutes depending on their size. Drain the potatoes, then add greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and other desired spices.

Mash the potatoes until creamy, then serve with a topping such as cheese or sour cream. You can also mix the sweet potato mashed in other ingredients such as apples, carrots, or garlic for added flavour.

Method # 5. Steaming

Pressure-cooking sweet potato is a quick and efficient way to cook this delicious root vegetable.

How to pressure-cook sweet potato?

Start by washing the potatoes, peeling them if desired, and chopping them into cubes or small pieces. Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker and place the sweet potatoes in the basket. Secure the lid, bring it to pressure, and cook on high for 6 minutes. Once finished, use the quick-release method to release the steam. Drain off the water and mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency.

Method # 6. Air-Frying

Air-frying is a relatively simple method that gives your sweet potatoes a crispy texture on the outside and soft on the inside. Air-frying your sweet potatoes is also a healthier alternative to traditional frying as it uses little to no oil, making it the perfect option for those watching their waistline or trying to lead a healthier lifestyle.

How to air-fry sweet potatoes?

All you need to do is preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, cut your sweet potatoes into sticks, and then coat them with olive oil or avocado oil. For an extra flavour boost, you can season your sweet potatoes with salt, pepper, or any other spices or herbs you prefer. Once seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket and set the timer. After just 15 minutes of air-frying, you’ll have the perfect side dish or snack.

How to choose sweet potatoes?

When choosing sweet potatoes for your favourite sweet potato dishes, it’s important to select the right type of sweet potato. There are two main types of sweet potatoes: firm-fleshed sweet potatoes and soft-fleshed sweet potatoes. Firm-fleshed sweet potatoes are best for baking, roasting, and making sweet potato fries, while soft-fleshed sweet potatoes are best for making mashed sweet potatoes or other pureed dishes.

In addition to the texture of the potato, you should also consider its flavours . Sweet potatoes come in a range of flavours from mild to sweet and creamy, so you should taste them before deciding which one to use.

When selecting a sweet potato, look for one that is heavy for its size with smooth skin and no wrinkles or blemishes. If you’re buying organic, make sure to choose organic sweet potatoes, as conventional sweet potatoes can be treated with pesticides or waxes.

How to store sweet potatoes?

The best way to store sweet potatoes is in a cool, dry, dark place. This could be a pantry, a cabinet, or even the refrigerator if it’s cold enough. The temperature should be around

55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also store them in an airtight container to keep out any moisture or humidity.

If you buy a bag of sweet potatoes from the grocery store, you can keep them in the bag they came in and store them in a cool, dark place. If there is any moisture in the bag, make sure to take out the sweet potatoes right away and transfer them to a container that seals tightly.

When you are ready to use the sweet potatoes, make sure you do so within two weeks of buying them. After that time, the quality of the sweet potatoes may decrease and they may not taste as good when cooked.

Benefits of sweet potatoes

Not only are sweet potatoes delicious, but they also provide a number of health benefits. For example, their high levels of antioxidants can help protect against free radical damage and reduce inflammation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/

They are highly nutritious and are a great source of fibre, vitamin A, and potassium. Sweet potatoes are also known to help control blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.

Sweet Potato Recipe

Whether you’re looking for a new way to enjoy sweet potatoes or just want to know how to cook sweet potatoes, I’m here with a delicious recipe. With this Mediterranean dish, you can enjoy a delicious lunch that is not only packed with protein but also deliciously enticing.

Recipe Card

Try out this Mediterranean sweet potato recipe to get a satisfying and nutritious meal. With sweet potato benefits and tasty possibilities, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal!

• Cuisine: Mediterranean

• Course: Lunch or side

• Preparation time: 5 min

• Cooking time: 30 min

• Yields: 2

• Nutrition per serving: Calories 308kcal, Proteins 10.9 g, Carbs 54.7 g, Fats 6.1g

Ingredients

• Chickpeas – 7 oz. (rinsed and drained)

• Sweet Potatoes – 2 medium (rinsed and scrubbed)

• Olive oil – 1 tsp

• Cumin – ¼ tsp

• Coriander – ¼ tsp

• Cinnamon – ¼ tsp

• Paprika – ¼ tsp (regular or smoked)

• Salt – 1 tsp

• Black Pepper – ½ tsp

• Cherry tomatoes – 4 (cut into wedges)

• Onion – 1 (chopped)

• Fresh parsley – for salad

• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp.

• Chilli-garlic sauce – for topping

• Lemon wedges – optional

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with foil.

• Mix olive oil and seasoning in the drained chickpeas before transferring them to the baking sheet.

• Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Cut them in half lengthways and place them face down on the same baking sheet. Let them roast for 25 minutes.

• While chickpeas and sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the tomato-parsley topping by tossing them with lemon juice and setting them aside to marinate.

• Take the sheet out and flip the sweet potatoes upside down. Smash down the sweet potato flesh inside a bit and top with chickpeas, chill garlic sauce, and parsley-tomato salad. Serve hot!

Wrapping Up

No matter how you choose to prepare your sweet potato dishes, they will add a delicious and nutritious touch to any meal. Try out different recipes to find your favourite way to enjoy this vegetable!

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