Not everyone knows how to steam sweet potatoes to make them sweet, soft, and not dry. Some people have a habit of putting sweet potatoes in cold water, while others use hot water from the start. So, which method is correct? If you want sweet potatoes that are fragrant and sticky, retaining all their nutrients, try this trick below!
1. Selecting Sweet Potatoes
First, choose sweet potatoes that are of moderate size, with intact skin and no scars or signs of damage. Fresh sweet potatoes will taste naturally sweeter and more nutty after steaming. If they are freshly dug, let them sit in a cool place for two days after purchase to reduce their moisture content and increase their sweetness. Rinse the sweet potatoes, and trim both ends to facilitate even cooking and enhance their flavor.
2. Keep the Skin On
Many people have a habit of peeling sweet potatoes before steaming them, but this is a mistake. The skin not only helps the sweet potato retain moisture but also preserves its nutritional value during the cooking process.
3. Use Hot Water for Steaming
An important tip for more delicious steamed sweet potatoes is to always boil the water before adding them. If you steam sweet potatoes in cold water, the gradual temperature increase will cause a loss of nutrients and result in dry, less sweet potatoes.
4. Adjust Temperature and Time Accordingly
Once the water in the pot is boiling, place the sweet potatoes in the steamer basket, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes over high heat.
Then, reduce the heat to low and continue steaming for 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the starch in the sweet potatoes to convert into sugar, creating a natural sweetness without the need for additional seasoning.
During steaming, avoid lifting the lid to prevent steam from escaping, as this may affect the cooking and sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
5. Let the Sweet Potatoes Rest Before Serving
After steaming for the allotted time, turn off the heat but do not lift the lid immediately. Let the sweet potatoes continue to rest in the residual heat for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that they cook evenly, resulting in softer, sweeter, and more flavorful sweet potatoes.
Finally, test their doneness by piercing them with a pair of chopsticks. If the chopsticks slide through easily, your sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed!
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