Sweet potatoes are not only nutritious but also extremely versatile and easy to cook. From familiar dishes like grilled, boiled, and steamed sweet potatoes to more elaborate dishes such as crispy fries, cakes, porridge, or soups, each cooking method brings out unique and appealing flavors. Among these, boiled sweet potatoes have captured the hearts of many due to their simplicity, rustic charm, and ease of eating. They are often enjoyed as a light breakfast, a snack, or even included in weight loss diets.

On chilly mornings or autumn afternoons, holding a warm sweet potato in your hand, with its nutty aroma and subtle sweetness, is a delightful and comforting experience, evoking memories of home and simpler times.
However, boiling sweet potatoes to achieve the perfect fluffy and tasty texture is not as easy as it seems. According to chefs, there’s a simple trick that many people overlook: adding an inexpensive ingredient to the pot while boiling makes the sweet potatoes fluffier and more flavorful.
Ingredients:
– About 1kg of sweet potatoes, preferably of medium size, not too large.
– ½ teaspoon of salt.
– Enough clean water to cover the potatoes.
Instructions:
First and foremost, to ensure a delicious boiled sweet potato dish, attention to detail begins with ingredient selection. Choose sweet potatoes of uniform size, avoiding those that are fibrous, tough, or damaged. Some varieties are naturally fluffier, so be sure to ask the seller for advice on the best type to use.
Once you’ve purchased your sweet potatoes, resist the urge to wash and boil them immediately. Instead, store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place for a few days. This step helps reduce moisture content and allows the starch in the potatoes to convert into sugar, resulting in softer, sweeter, and more naturally flavorful potatoes when boiled.
After allowing the sweet potatoes to “rest,” it’s time to wash them thoroughly and place them in a pot. Add just enough water to cover the potatoes, and then sprinkle in about ½ teaspoon of salt. This simple ingredient will enhance the flavor and texture of the sweet potatoes.
Turn on the stove and bring the pot to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium and continue boiling for about 10-13 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are soft and easily pierced with a fork without falling apart.
A crucial tip to remember once the sweet potatoes are almost cooked: drain the water completely and continue cooking the potatoes for a few minutes until the water evaporates and the outer skin becomes slightly charred. This technique imparts a delightful aroma and a nutty flavor reminiscent of grilled sweet potatoes.