Boiled sweet potatoes are a simple yet delicious dish beloved by many. For those on a diet, boiled sweet potatoes are often used as a substitute for white rice. You can also enjoy them as a snack.
Despite being a familiar dish, not everyone knows how to boil sweet potatoes to achieve the perfect texture and taste without spending too much time cooking.
How to Select the Best Sweet Potatoes
When buying sweet potatoes, opt for those with tapered ends and thick bodies. The skin should be bright and evenly colored, without any scratches or discoloration. Avoid potatoes with black spots, as these indicate rot.
A fresh and high-quality sweet potato will have a subtle, pleasant aroma. Avoid potatoes with a strong or pungent smell.
Choose potatoes of similar size so they cook evenly. If you have a mix of large and small potatoes, sort them accordingly to prevent overcooking or undercooking.
Adding Flavor to Your Boiled Sweet Potatoes
Wash the potatoes and place them in a pot. Add just enough water to cover the potatoes. At this point, you might be tempted to start boiling them immediately. However, if you want your sweet potatoes to be extra tender and flavorful, plain water won’t cut it. Try adding a pinch of salt to the pot (sea salt or rock salt work best).
Salt enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and helps them cook faster.’
The Japanese Method for Quickly Boiling Sweet Potatoes
Many Japanese people use this technique to quickly boil sweet potatoes without fuss.
First, wash the potatoes and trim the ends. Then, use a fork or a sharp knife to pierce the potatoes all over. This step ensures even distribution of heat, resulting in faster and more even cooking.
Wrap each potato in a paper towel to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Secure the paper towel with plastic wrap, using a microwave-safe variety.
Place the wrapped potatoes on a ceramic plate and microwave them for 5-6 minutes. Adjust the timing based on the size of the potatoes and the power of your microwave. For larger potatoes, you might need up to 8-9 minutes.
Let the potatoes cool slightly before handling.
Depending on your preference, you can either boil your sweet potatoes with salted water or use the microwave method described above.
When boiling, bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to medium and continue boiling for about 10-15 minutes. Adjust the timing based on the size of your potatoes.
To check if the sweet potatoes are done, insert a skewer or a chopstick into the center of the potato. If it slides in easily, your potatoes are ready.
After boiling, drain the water and return the potatoes to the stove. Cook them for a little longer to evaporate any remaining moisture and create a slightly charred, aromatic exterior, similar to roasted sweet potatoes.
For the sweetest potatoes, avoid boiling them immediately after purchase. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place for a few days. This allows some of the moisture to evaporate, concentrating the natural sugars and resulting in sweeter potatoes. This is especially noticeable in purple sweet potatoes, which release a syrup-like liquid when cooked.
