How to Boil Sweet Potatoes
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5
How to Boil Sweet Potatoes
Description
How to Boil Sweet Potatoes describes a straightforward cooking approach where whole or peeled and cubed sweet potatoes are placed in a pot and covered by at least an inch of water seasoned with salt. After bringing to a boil, the heat is reduced to maintain a rapid simmer until softened. The cooking time varies by size from about 12 to 35 minutes depending on whether cubed or whole tubers are used.
The boiling process evenly softens the potatoes while allowing the skin to loosen if left on, facilitating easy peeling after cooling. This method preserves the natural sweetness and creates a tender texture ideal for mashing or incorporating into other recipes.
Boiled sweet potatoes serve as a base ingredient for classic dishes like sweet potato pie, casseroles, or simple mashed variations, making this a fundamental cooking step. Using enough water and starting with cold water helps achieve uniform cooking and avoid mushy edges.
Peeling can be done before or after cooking depending on preference, and cubing accelerates the process.
Ingredients
- 2-4 pounds sweet potato
- salt optional
Instructions
- If boiling whole potatoes, rinse and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any visible dirt and debris. For peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, peel using a vegetable peeler and then cut into 1-2" cubes.
- Add potatoes to a large pot and then cover by at least 1-inch of water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt for every pound of potatoes and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and maintain a rapid simmer. Boil sweet potatoes according to the times below until they are fork tender:For 1-2" cubes: 12 to 15 minutesFor small-medium potatoes: 20-25 minutesFor large whole potatoes: 30-35 minutes*Please note that the total cook time will include an additional ~10 minutes that it took to bring the water to a boil.
- Drain sweet potatoes in a colander or remove using a slotted spoon and use in your favorite Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potato Pie, or Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.
Notes
- Use enough water to cover sweet potatoes by at least 1 inch to ensure even cooking.
- Leaving the skin on during boiling helps it peel off easily after cooling by rubbing gently.
- Cutting sweet potatoes into cubes before boiling reduces cooking time.
- Starting with cold water and gradually heating prevents uneven texture with mushy outside and firm inside.
- Salt the water with about 1 teaspoon per pound of sweet potatoes to season the tubers.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 13003 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 130.03kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 30.42g | 10% |
| Protein | 2.37g | 5% |
| Fat | 0.07g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.03g | 0% |
| Sodium | 83.16mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 509.54mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4.54g | 18% |
| Sugar | 6.32g | 13% |
| Vitamin A | 21450.39IU | 429% |
| Vitamin C | 3.63mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 45.36mg | 5% |
| Iron | 0.92mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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