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December 10, 2024
When it comes to whipping up a quick and healthy meal, sweet potatoes are a fantastic choice. Not only are they packed with essential nutrients, but they also have a deliciously sweet flavor. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a main course, sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways.
One of the quickest and easiest ways to cook sweet potatoes is by boiling them. Simply peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, then boil them in a pot of water until they are tender. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Once they’re done, drain them and season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer.
If you’re short on time, another great option is to microwave sweet potatoes. Start by piercing the potatoes with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape. Then, place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them on high for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender. Be sure to let them cool for a few minutes before handling.
Preparation steps
Before cooking sweet potatoes quickly, it’s important to properly prepare them. Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Choose the right sweet potatoes
When selecting sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free from any soft spots or blemishes. Additionally, choose sweet potatoes that have a vibrant orange color, as this indicates ripeness and sweetness.
2. Wash the sweet potatoes
Using clean water, thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. You can use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the skin if necessary.
3. Peel the sweet potatoes (optional)
Depending on your preference, you can choose to peel the sweet potatoes or leave the skin on. Peeling the sweet potatoes can help create a smoother texture, but the skin is also edible and contains valuable nutrients.
4. Cut the sweet potatoes into cubes
To cook sweet potatoes quickly, it’s best to cut them into small, evenly-sized cubes. This allows for faster and more even cooking. Aim for cubes that are around 1-inch in size.
5. Boil water
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil on the stove.
6. Blanch the sweet potatoes
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the sweet potato cubes to the pot. Let them blanch for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but not completely cooked through.
7. Drain the sweet potatoes
Using a colander or strainer, drain the blanched sweet potatoes and rinse them with cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps to maintain their vibrant color.
Now that the sweet potatoes are prepared, they are ready to be cooked using your desired method.
Washing and peeling
To start cooking sweet potatoes quickly, the first step is to wash and peel them. Follow these simple steps to ensure that your sweet potatoes are clean and free from any dirt or residue:
- Begin by rinsing the sweet potatoes under cool running water. Use your hands to rub off any dirt or debris from the skins.
- Next, take a vegetable scrub brush and gently scrub the skin of each sweet potato. This will help remove any remaining dirt or pesticide residue.
- Once the sweet potatoes are thoroughly cleaned, use a sharp peeler to remove the skin. Start at one end and work your way around the potato, peeling away thin strips of the skin until it is completely removed.
Once the sweet potatoes are washed and peeled, they are ready to be cooked. Proceed to the next steps to learn how to cook sweet potatoes quickly and easily.
Chopping into pieces
Once you have washed and dried your sweet potatoes, it’s time to chop them into pieces. Start by removing any bruised or damaged parts of the sweet potatoes with a knife.
Next, using a sharp knife, carefully cut the sweet potatoes into your desired size pieces. If you want them to cook quickly, we recommend cutting them into small cubes or thin slices.
Be sure to keep your fingers away from the knife blade and use a cutting board to protect your countertop. Taking your time and being cautious will help prevent any accidents.
For extra convenience, you can consider using a potato cutter or a mandolin to achieve uniform pieces. However, always remember to use caution when using these tools to avoid injury.
Once you have chopped the sweet potatoes, you can proceed to cook them using your preferred method. Whether you choose to bake, boil, or roast them, the small pieces will ensure that they cook quickly and evenly.
Boiling water
Boiling water is an essential step in quickly cooking sweet potatoes. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Fill a large pot with water: Start by filling a large pot with enough water to completely submerge the sweet potatoes.
2. Add salt: To enhance the flavor of the sweet potatoes, add a teaspoon of salt to the pot of water. This will help to season the potatoes as they cook.
3. Bring the water to a boil: Place the pot of water on the stove and turn the heat to high. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil, where large bubbles are rapidly breaking the surface.
4. Prepare the sweet potatoes: While the water is boiling, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and peel them if desired. Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
5. Add the sweet potatoes to the boiling water: Carefully place the sweet potato pieces into the boiling water. Make sure the water covers the sweet potatoes completely.
6. Cook the sweet potatoes: Let the sweet potatoes boil for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You can check if they are done by inserting a fork into a sweet potato piece. If it easily goes through, they are cooked.
7. Drain the sweet potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, carefully pour the contents of the pot into a colander to drain the water. Shake the colander gently to remove any excess water.
8. Serve: The boiled sweet potatoes are now ready to be served as a side dish or incorporated into your favorite recipes.
By following these steps, you can quickly cook sweet potatoes by boiling them in water. Enjoy the delicious and nutritious results!
Cooking methods
There are several cooking methods you can use to quickly cook sweet potatoes:
- Boiling: To boil sweet potatoes, first peel and cube them into bite-sized pieces. Then, place the sweet potatoes in a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the sweet potatoes cook for about 10 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Microwaving: To microwave sweet potatoes, first poke a few holes in the potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for about 5-7 minutes per potato, depending on the size. Rotate the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Steaming: To steam sweet potatoes, peel and cube them into bite-sized pieces. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and place a steamer basket in the pot. Add the sweet potato cubes to the steamer basket, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Steam the sweet potatoes for about 10-15 minutes or until tender.
Each cooking method has its own advantages and can be chosen based on your preferences and kitchen equipment.
Baking in the oven
To bake sweet potatoes in the oven, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
1. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork or a knife to allow steam to escape during the baking process.
3. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack. You can line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
4. Bake the sweet potatoes for approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on the size. Check their doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the potato. If it goes in easily and the potato feels soft, it’s done.
5. Once they are cooked, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
6. Cut a slit lengthwise in the baked sweet potatoes and gently push the ends together to open up the potato.
7. Top with your favorite toppings such as butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, marshmallows, or even savory options like sour cream and chives.
8. Serve and enjoy your delicious baked sweet potatoes!
Microwaving
Microwaving sweet potatoes is a quick and convenient way to cook them. Here’s how:
- Wash and pierce: Start by washing the sweet potatoes under running water. Use a fork to prick several holes all over the potatoes. This will prevent them from exploding in the microwave.
- Arrange: Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Make sure to leave enough space between each potato for even cooking.
- Cook: Set the microwave to high power. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and quantity of the sweet potatoes. As a general guideline, cook one medium-sized potato for about 5 minutes, two for about 8 minutes, and so on. If you’re cooking more than one potato, turn them halfway through the cooking time for even results.
- Check for doneness: To check if the sweet potatoes are cooked through, carefully insert a knife into the center of a potato. If it goes in easily and the potato feels soft, they are done. If not, continue microwaving in one-minute increments until they reach the desired tenderness.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, let the sweet potatoes rest for a few minutes before handling. Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to carefully remove them from the microwave, as they will be hot. Slice open each potato, fluff the flesh with a fork, and serve with your favorite toppings or seasonings.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so always keep an eye on the sweet potatoes as they cook to prevent overcooking or undercooking.
FAQ
Can you bake sweet potatoes quickly?
Yes, you can bake sweet potatoes quickly by using the microwave. Start by piercing the sweet potatoes with a fork, then microwave them on high for 5-6 minutes per potato. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the flesh – if it goes in easily, they’re ready to eat. If they’re not done, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until they’re tender.
How long does it take to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave?
The cooking time for sweet potatoes in the microwave can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the power of your microwave. As a general rule, pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave them on high for 5-6 minutes per potato. If they’re not done, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until they’re tender.
Is it possible to boil sweet potatoes quickly?
Yes, you can boil sweet potatoes quickly by peeling and dicing them into small pieces. Then, place them in a pot of boiling water and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Cutting the sweet potatoes into smaller pieces allows them to cook faster.