Sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Their naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture make them a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. Boiling is a fantastic and simple method to cook sweet potatoes, whether you’re planning to mash them, roast them, or simply enjoy them as a healthy side. If you’re wondering “How Long To Boil Sweet Potatoes” to achieve that perfect tenderness, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to boil sweet potatoes perfectly every time, with or without the skin.
Boiling Sweet Potatoes: A Quick and Healthy Cooking Method
Boiling sweet potatoes is not only easy but also a healthy way to cook them as it doesn’t require added fats. It’s a great starting point for a variety of recipes and allows you to control the texture, from slightly firm to incredibly soft for purees.
Nutritional Benefits of Boiled Sweet Potatoes
Whether you choose to boil them with or without the skin, sweet potatoes are a nutritional win. Keeping the skin on while boiling adds a boost of fiber and potassium.
Sweet Potato vs. Yam: What’s the Difference?
One medium-sized sweet potato (boiled, without skin) offers approximately:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fiber: Almost 4 grams
- Carbohydrates: 27 grams
And that’s before you even consider the added vitamins and minerals!
Preparing Sweet Potatoes for Boiling: Key Considerations
Before you even think about “how long to boil sweet potatoes”, proper preparation is key. Here are a few things to consider to ensure your boiled sweet potatoes turn out perfectly:
- Choosing Your Sweet Potatoes: Select sweet potatoes that are firm to the touch with smooth skin. Avoid any with soft spots, bruises, or sprouts.
- Storage: Store your sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. Don’t refrigerate them, as this can cause them to dry out and develop a hard center. They will keep for about a week at room temperature.
- To Peel or Not to Peel?: The choice is yours! Boiling sweet potatoes with the skin on is perfectly fine and even adds a bit more nutritional value and texture. For a smoother mash or puree, you might prefer peeling them beforehand.
- Cutting for Even Cooking: If you’re planning to mash your sweet potatoes, or want them to cook faster, chopping them into uniform cubes (about 1-2 inches) is recommended. This ensures they cook evenly. Whole sweet potatoes will take longer to cook.
- Salt the Water: Just like with pasta or regular potatoes, adding salt to the boiling water enhances the flavor of the sweet potatoes. A pinch or two is all you need.
- Cold Water Start: Always start sweet potatoes in cold water. This allows them to cook evenly from the inside out. If you add them directly to boiling water, the outside might overcook before the inside is tender.
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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Boil Sweet Potatoes
Now, let’s get to the “how to boil sweet potatoes” part! Follow these simple steps for perfectly boiled sweet potatoes:
- Wash and Scrub: Rinse the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Use a vegetable brush to scrub off any dirt, especially if you’re leaving the skin on. If you prefer peeled sweet potatoes, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin.
- Cut (Optional): If you’re cutting your sweet potatoes, cut them into uniform 1-2 inch cubes. For whole sweet potatoes, simply leave them as they are.
- Place in Pot and Cover with Water: Put the prepared sweet potatoes in a large pot. Add enough cold water to just cover the potatoes by about an inch. Add a pinch or two of salt to the water.
- Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the sweet potatoes simmer gently.
- Check for Doneness: This is where “how long to boil sweet potatoes” comes in. The cooking time will vary depending on whether you’re boiling whole or cubed sweet potatoes.
- Cubed Sweet Potatoes: Start checking for tenderness around 12-15 minutes.
- Whole Sweet Potatoes: Start checking around 20-25 minutes for smaller potatoes, and 30-50 minutes for larger ones.
To check if they’re done, pierce a sweet potato with a fork. If the fork slides in easily with little to no resistance, they are tender and ready.
- Drain and Return to Pot: Once tender, carefully drain the water from the pot. Return the sweet potatoes to the empty pot. At this stage, you can mash them right in the pot, or proceed with your recipe.
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How Long to Boil Sweet Potatoes? Time Guide
The crucial question: How long do you boil sweet potatoes? Here’s a quick guide to help you determine the boiling time based on how you’ve prepared your sweet potatoes:
| Preparation | Approximate Boiling Time | Doneness Test |
|---|---|---|
| Cubed Sweet Potatoes (1-2 inch cubes) | 12-20 minutes | Fork easily pierces through with tenderness |
| Small Whole Sweet Potatoes | 20-25 minutes | Fork easily pierces to the center with tenderness |
| Medium Whole Sweet Potatoes | 30-40 minutes | Fork easily pierces to the center with tenderness |
| Large Whole Sweet Potatoes | 40-50 minutes | Fork easily pierces to the center with tenderness |
Note: These are approximate times, and actual cooking time can vary depending on the size and freshness of your sweet potatoes, as well as the intensity of your simmer. Always use the fork-tenderness test to determine when they are perfectly cooked.
Delicious Ways to Use Boiled Sweet Potatoes
Once you’ve mastered “how long to boil sweet potatoes,” you’ll have a versatile ingredient ready to use in countless dishes! Here are some ideas:
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Simply mash the boiled sweet potatoes with butter, milk or cream, and seasonings for a classic side dish.
- Sweet Potato Puree: For baby food or recipes requiring a smooth puree, blend the boiled sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Sweet Potato Pancakes or Waffles: Add mashed boiled sweet potatoes to your pancake or waffle batter for extra moisture and sweetness.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: Boiled sweet potatoes are a great base for a comforting sweet potato casserole.
- Vegetarian Tacos: Cubed boiled sweet potatoes can be seasoned and added to vegetarian tacos for a hearty filling.
- Salads: Add chilled, cubed boiled sweet potatoes to salads for a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Simply Seasoned Side Dish: Enjoy boiled sweet potatoes as is! Drizzle with olive oil, butter, or a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a simple and satisfying side.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Boiling Sweet Potatoes
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Should sweet potatoes be peeled before boiling?
You can peel sweet potatoes either before or after boiling. Peeling before boiling is recommended if you want a smoother texture for mashed or pureed sweet potatoes. However, boiling them with the skin on is perfectly fine and you can easily peel them after cooking, or even eat the nutritious skin! -
How long to boil whole sweet potatoes for mashing?
For mashing, boil whole sweet potatoes until they are very tender, which usually takes 30-40 minutes for medium-sized potatoes, and up to 50 minutes for larger ones. Test for doneness with a fork. -
Do I need to pierce sweet potatoes before boiling?
No, piercing the skin is not necessary when boiling sweet potatoes. Piercing is more common when baking sweet potatoes to release steam. When boiling, the water itself prevents pressure buildup inside the potato.
With this guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge of “how long to boil sweet potatoes” and all the tips and tricks for perfect results every time. Boil up a batch of sweet potatoes and enjoy their versatile goodness in your favorite recipes!
