Steaming Sweet Potatoes: Rice Cooker Timing And Techniques

Sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming. Steaming sweet potatoes is a convenient and healthy cooking method that helps retain their nutritional value and enhances their flavour and texture. This guide will explore the benefits of steaming sweet potatoes, provide step-by-step instructions on how to steam them in a rice cooker, and offer tips for achieving perfectly cooked results.

How to prepare sweet potatoes for steaming

Preparing sweet potatoes for steaming is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure optimal results. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Wash the Sweet Potatoes

Firstly, it is important to wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. This step ensures that any dirt or debris is removed from the surface of the potatoes, which is important for food safety and hygiene.

Peel the Sweet Potatoes (Optional)

You can choose to peel the sweet potatoes or leave the skin on. If you decide to peel them, use a conventional potato peeler or a sharp knife to remove the skin. You can compost the peelings or cut them into strips, leave a little flesh on them, and make sweet potato skins as a snack.

Cut the Sweet Potatoes into Uniform Pieces

Cutting the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces is crucial to ensure even cooking. Cut each potato into three or four slices, or smaller pieces if they are too big. The exact size is not critical, but ensuring that all pieces are roughly the same size is essential.

Place the Sweet Potatoes in a Steam Tray or Rice Cooker

If using a steam tray, place the potato chunks into the tray, which sits above a pot of boiling water. If using a rice cooker, put the sweet potatoes directly into the cooker with a small amount of water, ensuring that the water level reaches the potatoes.

Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Cover the pot or rice cooker and turn on the heat. For a steam tray, bring the water to a strong boil and then reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the sweet potatoes are soft, which usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. For a rice cooker, set the cooker to the "'steam' setting and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Test for Doneness

To check if the sweet potatoes are done, carefully insert a fork or sharp knife into the centre of a potato. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are cooked. If not, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until they are tender.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the sweet potatoes are soft, they are ready to serve and enjoy! You can serve them whole or mashed, with various toppings or seasonings of your choice. Some popular options include butter, honey, cinnamon, or brown sugar.

The benefits of steaming sweet potatoes

Steaming sweet potatoes is a convenient and healthy way to prepare this nutritious vegetable. Here are some benefits of steaming sweet potatoes, particularly in a rice cooker:

Nutrient Retention

Steaming is an excellent way to retain the nutrients in sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, fibre, and antioxidants. Boiling and steaming are considered better than baking for retaining these nutrients, as baking can cause a significant drop in vitamin A levels and the antioxidant power of the peel.

Health Benefits

The vitamins and antioxidants in sweet potatoes provide numerous health benefits, including improved vision, enhanced immune function, reduced cancer risk, and better gut health. Vitamin A is essential for vision and immune function, while vitamin C aids in wound healing and immune system support. The fibre in sweet potatoes promotes digestive health and can help lower cholesterol levels.

Convenience and Taste

Steaming sweet potatoes in a rice cooker is a quick, easy, and hands-off method that doesn't require much preparation or clean-up. The moist heat of steaming results in fluffy and tender sweet potatoes with a pudding-like texture, making them a delicious and convenient side dish.

Weight Management

Sweet potatoes are low in calories and fat-free, making them a healthy food choice for those watching their weight. The fibre content in steamed sweet potatoes can also promote feelings of fullness, aiding in long-term weight control.

Preparation Tips

When steaming sweet potatoes, it is important to wash them thoroughly and cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the potatoes mushy. Steaming for 20-30 minutes is usually sufficient, but the time may vary depending on the size and type of sweet potato.

In summary, steaming sweet potatoes in a rice cooker is a nutritious, convenient, and tasty way to prepare this versatile vegetable, allowing you to enjoy the health benefits while indulging in a delicious treat.

How to steam sweet potatoes without a rice cooker

Steaming sweet potatoes is a great way to enjoy this nutritious food without adding extra fat or ingredients. Here is a guide on how to steam sweet potatoes without a rice cooker.

First, you will need to peel the sweet potatoes. You can use a conventional potato peeler or a sharp knife for this step. Try to cut the peelings into long strips so you can make sweet potato skins as a snack. Next, cut the potatoes into chunks. The exact size is not important, but you want them to be roughly equal in size so they cook evenly.

Now, you will need a large pot with a steam tray, or a small metal strainer, and a pot with a lid. Place the sweet potato chunks into the steam tray or strainer, and put this inside the large pot. Add two cups of water to the pot, ensuring it does not touch the bottom of the steam tray. Cover the pot with a lid.

Place the pot on the stove over high heat. Once the water is at a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium. Allow the sweet potatoes to steam until they are soft all the way through. Depending on the size of the chunks, this should take 15-20 minutes. You can check if they are done by prodding them with a fork. If the fork slides in easily, they are ready. If not, cook for another 5 minutes and check again.

Once the sweet potatoes are soft, turn off the heat and carefully remove the lid, being mindful of the escaping steam. Transfer the sweet potatoes to a serving plate and season as desired. You can enjoy them plain, or with butter, salt, and pepper.

How to tell when sweet potatoes are done

Steaming sweet potatoes in a rice cooker is a quick and healthy way to prepare them. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of sweet potato, but generally, it takes around 20-35 minutes. To know when your sweet potatoes are done, look for the following signs:

Softness

The potatoes should be soft all the way through but not mushy. You can test this by inserting a fork or knife into the centre of the potato. If it slides in easily, the potato is cooked. If it is still hard, it needs more time.

Skin

The thin skin of fresh sweet potatoes should come off easily after steaming. If the skin is wrinkled, it may be a sign that the potato is overcooked.

Colour

The bright orange colour of the sweet potato flesh should be retained. If the potatoes are turning brown, this may indicate overcooking.

Texture

Steamed sweet potatoes should have a moist and fluffy texture. If they are dry and fibrous, they may be overcooked.

Smell

The sweet potatoes should release a pleasant, sweet smell when they are done. If they start to smell burnt, this is a sign of overcooking.

Timing

As a guide, whole sweet potatoes generally take around 25-35 minutes to steam, while cut-up pieces will take less time, around 15-20 minutes. However, always use your senses to check doneness, as the timing may vary depending on the size and type of sweet potato.

How to store sweet potatoes after cooking

Cooking sweet potatoes in a rice cooker is a quick, healthy, and convenient way to prepare this nutritious dish. But what about storing sweet potatoes after they have been cooked? How can you ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat?

Firstly, it is important to note that cooked sweet potatoes should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can quickly grow at room temperature, leading to foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it is best to store cooked sweet potatoes in the fridge.

To store cooked sweet potatoes, place them in a shallow airtight container or a zip-top bag. They will stay fresh in the fridge for about four to five days. If you plan to use them within a couple of days, you can also store them in a bowl in the fridge.

If you want to keep your cooked sweet potatoes for a more extended period, you can freeze them. Freezing cooked sweet potatoes can extend their shelf life by up to six months to a year. There are several methods for freezing them:

• Whole: Pierce the sweet potatoes in a few places, wrap them in foil, and place them in a labelled freezer bag.
• Sliced: Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, cool, peel, slice, and place in a labelled freezer bag.
• Mashed: Boil or bake the sweet potatoes, peel, mash, and add lemon juice to prevent discolouration. Freeze in individual servings in a freezer-safe container.

When reheating cooked sweet potatoes, you can use a microwave or an oven. If reheating in the microwave, use 30-second intervals and check between each interval. For mashed sweet potatoes, you may prefer to use the stovetop to avoid a rubbery texture. You can also add a small amount of water or cream when reheating mashed sweet potatoes.

Frequently asked questions