Mmm, sweet potatoes. Even though most people in the Western world associate sweet potatoes with the Fall (their season runs from about November til around March), I like to cook with sweet potatoes year round because they keep well and are never difficult to find in grocery stores. Plus, they’re pretty cheap, which makes them a great vegetable to keep around the house – either to create new recipes with or just as a simple, delicious side dish with dinner.
Sweet potatoes are known for their distinctly sweet flavor, but what you might not know is that they’re actually pretty healthy too. They’re much lower in calories and sodium than regular potatoes. They’re also high in Vitamins A, B5, B6, riboflavin, and carotenoids – to name a few.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes
Nine times out of ten, people create sweet dishes with sweet potatoes – sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving or sweet potato pie for holiday desserts. But sweet potatoes can be cooked in many different ways, including savory dishes that minimize the sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness.
Here’s a few basic suggestions on how to cook sweet potatoes when you’re just getting started experimenting with these yummy vegetables.
How to Bake Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any remaining dirt. Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Use a fork to make holes on the top of the sweet potatoes, and brush the top lightly with oil. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes. Once they’re done, top with a little bit of goat cheese for a delicious dinner side (or as a delicious meal for lunch).
How to Mash Sweet Potatoes
Fill a large saucepan with water and place on stove top to boil. Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly and cut into cubes. Once water is boiling, add the cubed sweet potatoes and a teaspoon of salt to the water and boil uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until you can easily stick a fork into the center of one. Use a potato masher (or a stick blender) to blend or mash the sweet potatoes. Slowly add 1/4 cup of milk as you mash until you get the consistency that you want. For creamer mashed sweet potatoes, use more milk. To finish, stir or blend in 2 Tbsp of butter and a few drizzles of maple syrup. Serve warm, and enjoy!
How to Sautee Sweet Potatoes
Wash sweet potatoes to remove any excess dirt or debris. Use a potato peeler to peel thin strips of sweet potatoes. Add oil to a large skillet and heat on medium high. Add sweet potatoes and sautee for 10 minutes, making sure to continually stir them. Sautee them until they’re crisp, remove from pan, and serve hot. You can experiment with different toppings and garnishes, creating both sweet and savory dishes.
How to Grill Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Wash sweet potatoes in cold water, and cut lengthwise in half. Brush the tops of the sweet potatoes lightly with melted butter. Grill for 20-25 minutes – they should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside when done.
What are you favorite ways to cook sweet potatoes? Have any favorite recipes? Let us know in the comments!
