If you’re a fan of sweet potatoes, then you probably know that they can take quite a long time to cook in the oven. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re short on time or don’t want to heat up your entire kitchen. Luckily, there’s a quicker and easier way to cook large sweet potatoes: in the instant pot!

The instant pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can significantly reduce cooking times. It uses high pressure and steam to cook food quickly and efficiently. When it comes to large sweet potatoes, the instant pot can cook them to perfection in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven.

So, how long does it take to cook large sweet potatoes in the instant pot? On average, it takes about 20-30 minutes to cook large sweet potatoes in the instant pot. This cooking time includes the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure, the actual cooking time, and the time it takes for the pressure to naturally release. Keep in mind that the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your sweet potatoes.

To cook large sweet potatoes in the instant pot, start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes. You can leave the skin on or peel it off, depending on your preference. Next, place a trivet or a steamer basket in the instant pot and add 1 cup of water. Arrange the sweet potatoes on top of the trivet or steamer basket, making sure they’re not touching the sides of the pot.

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Close the lid of the instant pot and set the steam release valve to the sealing position. Select the “manual” or “pressure cook” setting and set the cooking time to 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your sweet potatoes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully open the lid, and your perfectly cooked sweet potatoes are ready to be enjoyed!

Overview of cooking large sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious root vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One popular method for cooking large sweet potatoes is using an Instant Pot, which is a multi-functional pressure cooker.

Benefits of using an Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot to cook large sweet potatoes offers several benefits:

  • Time-saving: Unlike traditional oven baking, an Instant Pot can significantly reduce the cooking time for sweet potatoes.
  • Even cooking: The pressure cooking method ensures that the sweet potatoes are evenly cooked, resulting in a soft and tender texture.
  • Retains nutrients: Instant Pot cooking helps to retain more of the nutrients in the sweet potatoes, compared to boiling or microwaving.
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Instructions for cooking large sweet potatoes in an Instant Pot

Follow these simple steps to cook large sweet potatoes in an Instant Pot:

  1. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Place a steamer basket or trivet inside the Instant Pot, and add 1 cup of water to the pot.
  3. Arrange the sweet potatoes on the steamer basket or trivet, ensuring they are not touching the water.
  4. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
  5. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting, and set the cooking time to 20 minutes for large sweet potatoes.
  6. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
  7. Carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the Instant Pot using tongs or a fork.
  8. Let the sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving or using them in your favorite recipes.

Table: Cooking times for large sweet potatoes in an Instant Pot

Here is a handy table with suggested cooking times for large sweet potatoes in an Instant Pot, based on their weight:

Weight of Sweet Potato Cooking Time
1-1.5 pounds 20 minutes
1.5-2 pounds 25 minutes
2-2.5 pounds 30 minutes

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the sweet potatoes. It’s always best to check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part of the sweet potato.

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With the help of an Instant Pot, you can effortlessly cook large sweet potatoes to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a versatile ingredient for various dishes. Whether mashed, roasted, or used in soups and stews, large sweet potatoes make a delicious addition to any meal.

Preparation for cooking

Before cooking the sweet potatoes in your Instant Pot, there are a few steps you need to follow for preparation:

  1. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler or a knife.
  3. Cut the sweet potatoes into large chunks or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
  4. Fill the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water or vegetable broth.
  5. Place a trivet or a steamer basket inside the Instant Pot.
  6. Arrange the sweet potato chunks or whole sweet potatoes on the trivet or steamer basket.

Once you have completed the preparation steps, you are ready to cook the sweet potatoes in your Instant Pot.

Setting up the Instant Pot

Before you begin cooking your large sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot, it’s important to set up the appliance properly. Follow these steps to ensure a successful cooking process:

  1. Inspect the Instant Pot: Check the inner pot and the sealing ring for any damage or signs of wear. Make sure the lid is clean and functioning properly.
  2. Assemble the Instant Pot: Place the inner pot inside the Instant Pot base. Ensure that it is properly aligned and sitting securely.
  3. Add liquid: For this specific recipe, you will need to add water to the Instant Pot. Depending on the size of your Instant Pot, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the minimum required amount of liquid.
  4. Place the trivet: Insert the trivet provided with your Instant Pot into the inner pot. This will elevate the sweet potatoes and prevent them from sitting directly in the liquid.
  5. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Wash the large sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. You can choose to leave the skin on or peel it off, depending on your preference.
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Cooking time for large sweet potatoes

Cooking large sweet potatoes in an Instant Pot is a convenient way to quickly prepare this delicious vegetable. The cooking time will depend on the size of the sweet potatoes, but generally, it takes around 15 to 20 minutes to cook large sweet potatoes in an Instant Pot.

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To cook large sweet potatoes in an Instant Pot, follow these steps:

  1. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork or knife a few times to allow steam to escape.
  3. Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
  4. Arrange the sweet potatoes on the trivet, making sure they are not touching the sides of the pot.
  5. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the vent to the sealing position.
  6. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 15 minutes for medium-sized sweet potatoes or 20 minutes for larger sweet potatoes.
  7. Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
  8. Open the Instant Pot lid and use oven mitts or tongs to remove the sweet potatoes.
  9. Let the sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving.

Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the sweet potatoes. It’s always a good idea to check the tenderness of the sweet potatoes by inserting a fork into the center. If the fork easily goes through, they are ready to be served.

Checking the Doneness

After pressure cooking the large sweet potatoes in the instant pot, it is important to check their doneness before serving. This can be done by gently piercing the sweet potatoes with a fork or a knife.

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If the fork or knife easily slides into the sweet potato without much resistance, it is fully cooked and ready to be served. The flesh should be tender and soft, and the sweet potatoes should be easy to mash with a fork or spoon. The color of the sweet potatoes should also be vibrant and the skin should be slightly wrinkled.

However, if there is resistance when piercing the sweet potatoes, this indicates that they are not fully cooked yet. In this case, it is recommended to place them back in the instant pot and cook for an additional few minutes on high pressure.

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Alternative Method: Pressure Release Method

Another way to check the doneness of the large sweet potatoes is by using the pressure release method. After pressure cooking, carefully release the pressure from the instant pot according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid and check the sweet potatoes for doneness using the same criteria mentioned above.

Remember to always use caution when handling hot sweet potatoes and the instant pot. Use oven mitts or tongs to handle the sweet potatoes and be aware of the steam that can escape when releasing the pressure.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the sweet potatoes. It is important to follow the recommended cooking times and adjust accordingly based on your preferences and the specific model of your instant pot.

Q&A

Can I cook large sweet potatoes in an instant pot?

Yes, you can cook large sweet potatoes in an instant pot. It is a convenient and efficient way to cook them quickly and evenly.

How long should I cook large sweet potatoes in an instant pot?

The cooking time for large sweet potatoes in an instant pot is usually around 12-15 minutes on high pressure. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and personal preference.

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What is the quickest way to cook large sweet potatoes?

Using an instant pot is one of the quickest ways to cook large sweet potatoes. It significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional methods like baking or boiling.

Can I cook large sweet potatoes without peeling them in an instant pot?

Yes, you can cook large sweet potatoes in an instant pot without peeling them. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before placing them in the pot. The skin will become soft and edible after cooking.