Description
Learn the simple and healthy method of boiling sweet potatoes, a versatile ingredient perfect for any meal. This guide covers choosing, preparing, and cooking sweet potatoes to perfection for mashing, salads, soups, and desserts.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes
- Cold water
- Salt (optional)
Instructions
- Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water.
- Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, or keep the skin on for extra nutrients.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform 1-2 inch chunks for even cooking. For purees or pies, boiling whole may be preferred.
- Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot.
- Cover the sweet potatoes with cold water, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor, if desired.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer.
- Cook until a fork or knife can easily pierce the sweet potatoes. Cooking time varies by size and preparation (chopped: 15-20 min, medium whole: 30-35 min, large whole: 40-50 min).
- Drain the sweet potatoes using a colander.
- Let them cool slightly before serving or using in recipes.
Notes
- Start with cold water for even cooking.
- Use a large pot to prevent overcrowding.
- Seasoning the water with salt enhances flavor.
- Test for doneness with a fork.
- Drain immediately once tender to prevent mushiness.
- Boiled sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Mashed sweet potatoes can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium sweet potato (approx. 130g)
- Calories: 112
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 6mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg