Ella Walter
Sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be roasted, baked, mashed, pureed, or even turned into chips. Cooking sweet potatoes in a pressure pot is not only easy but also takes half as much time as baking them in an oven. The pressure pot method yields sweet potatoes with irresistibly tender, creamy centres. The cooking time depends on the size of the potatoes, with smaller potatoes requiring less time and larger potatoes requiring more time. The potatoes are cooked in water, either whole or cubed, and can be seasoned with butter, rosemary, peanut butter, bananas, cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | Depends on the size of the sweet potatoes. Smaller potatoes take less time than larger ones. |
| Preparation | Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. Prick with a fork. |
| Water | Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker. |
| Trivet/steamer basket | Use a trivet or steamer basket to keep the potatoes elevated above the water. |
| Cook time | Small potatoes (2 inches or less in width): 15 minutes + 10-minute natural pressure release. Medium potatoes (2-3 inches in width): 30 minutes + 10-minute natural pressure release. Large potatoes (3-4 inches in width): 60 minutes + 10-minute natural pressure release. |
| Altitude | Adjust the cook time according to your altitude. |
| Texture | Adjust the cook time according to your texture preference. |
| Cubed potatoes | Wash, peel, and cube the potatoes. Cook for 8 minutes. |
| Serving size | 1 cup, approximately 260 calories. |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 12 months. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the sweet potatoes
Next, rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes in cold water. You can use a good brush to scrub the potatoes well. Then, pierce each potato 5-10 times with a fork. This allows steam to escape and helps the potatoes cook evenly.
Now, you are ready to place the sweet potatoes in the pressure cooker. If you are using the steaming method, add one cup of water to the pressure cooker and place the sweet potatoes on a steamer rack or basket. If you are cooking the sweet potatoes directly in the water, add enough water to cover the potatoes, usually about one cup.
Finally, secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set the valve to seal. If your pressure cooker has a venting knob, turn it to the sealing position. Your sweet potatoes are now ready to be cooked!
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Preparing the pressure pot
Firstly, select the right size of sweet potatoes. It is important to choose potatoes that are all similar in size to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking whole sweet potatoes, opt for medium-sized potatoes that are about two inches in diameter. Larger potatoes may not cook evenly, remaining hard in the middle even with increased cooking time.
Next, rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. You can use a good brush to scrub the potatoes and ensure they are clean. After scrubbing, you may also need to trim the potatoes, especially if they have wrinkly ends.
Now, it's time to prepare the pressure pot. Add one cup (250 ml) of cold water to the pot. The water is necessary to create steam, which builds up pressure in the cooker. Place a steamer rack or basket inside the pot, ensuring it is elevated above the water level. You can use the steamer rack or basket that comes with your Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
Once the pot is prepared, it's time to add the sweet potatoes. If you are cooking whole sweet potatoes, simply place them on the steamer rack. If you are cooking cubed or mashed sweet potatoes, you will need to peel and cut the potatoes before adding them to the pot. For cubed potatoes, the cooking time will be shorter, but the preparation time will be longer.
Finally, secure the lid on the pressure pot and set the valve to the sealing position or 'seal'. Make sure the venting knob is turned to the sealing position as well. Your pressure pot is now ready to begin cooking your sweet potatoes!
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Cooking times for different sizes
The cooking time for sweet potatoes in a pressure pot depends on their size. To guarantee evenly cooked potatoes, it is best to use potatoes that are all about the same size.
For whole sweet potatoes, one source recommends cooking for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. However, another source suggests that cooking time depends on the width of the potatoes. Small potatoes (2 inches or less in width) should be cooked for 15 minutes, medium potatoes (2-3 inches in width) for 30 minutes, and large potatoes (3-4 inches in width) for 60 minutes, all followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
If your sweet potatoes are different sizes, you can measure their width and adjust the cooking time accordingly. It is recommended to cook smaller potatoes for a shorter time and larger potatoes for a longer time.
Another method is to peel and cube the sweet potatoes before cooking. This method requires more prep time but less cook time. Cubed sweet potatoes should be cooked for 8 minutes.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your preferred texture and altitude. Additionally, if your sweet potatoes are not fully cooked after the suggested time, you can simply put the lid back on and add a few more minutes of cooking time.
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Releasing the pressure
Firstly, it is important to understand that the pressure needs to be released naturally for a certain period before any manual release of pressure. The natural release time varies depending on the size of the sweet potatoes and the cooking time. For small potatoes, a natural release time of 10 minutes is recommended. For medium-sized potatoes, a natural release time of 10 minutes is also suggested. However, for larger potatoes, a longer natural release time of 11 minutes may be required.
During the natural release time, the pressure inside the pot will gradually decrease, and the floating valve will eventually drop. This is a crucial indicator that the natural release is complete. It is important to wait for this sign before proceeding to the next step.
After the natural release is complete, you can then manually release any remaining pressure. Be cautious when performing this step, as the steam released can be extremely hot. Ensure your hands and face are safely away from the venting knob and the lid to avoid any burns.
Once all the pressure has been released, you can carefully open the lid of the pressure pot. Always open the lid away from your face and body to prevent any potential scalding from the escaping steam.
Finally, use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to remove the sweet potatoes from the pot. They are now ready to be served, stored, or prepared for further cooking, such as mashing or cubing. Remember to allow the sweet potatoes to cool down to a safe temperature before handling them directly with your hands.
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Serving suggestions
Sweet potatoes are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: This is a classic and popular way to serve sweet potatoes. After cooking, simply scoop out the tender insides and mash them with your favourite seasonings. You can also add butter, rosemary, or even peanut butter and bananas for a unique twist.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Pressure cooker "baked" sweet potatoes are fast and easy to prepare. Load them up with butter, flaky salt, or your favourite toppings. They make a delicious and nutritious snack or side dish.
- Sweet Potato Cubes or Fries: Cut the cooked sweet potatoes into cubes or fry shapes and sprinkle with seasoned salt. You can bake them in the oven for crispy sweet potato fries or add them to other dishes like breakfast burritos or hash.
- Sweet Potato Puree or Hummus: For a smooth and creamy texture, puree the cooked sweet potatoes. You can use this puree as a base for hummus or dip, or even add it to soups or sauces.
- Sweet Potato Chips: Thinly slice the cooked sweet potatoes and bake them until crispy. Season with salt, pepper, or your favourite spices for a tasty snack or side dish.
- Scalloped Sweet Potatoes: For a special occasion dish, try making scalloped sweet potatoes. Layer sliced sweet potatoes with bacon and Gruyère cheese for a decadent and flavourful dish.
Remember, sweet potatoes are very versatile, so feel free to experiment with different seasonings, toppings, and serving styles. They can be a great addition to both savoury and sweet dishes, providing a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness.
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Frequently asked questions
Depending on the size of the potatoes, it can take anywhere from 12 to 25 minutes under high pressure. Smaller potatoes (6 to 8 ounces each) will take around 12 minutes, medium potatoes (8 to 12 ounces each) will take 18 minutes, and larger potatoes (12 to 16 ounces each) will take 25 minutes.
Typically, you will need to add 1 cup of water to the pressure pot when cooking sweet potatoes. However, some pressure cookers may require more water, so it is always good to check the manufacturer's instructions.
It is not necessary to peel and cut the sweet potatoes before cooking them whole. However, if you want to cube the potatoes before cooking, you will need to peel and cut them first, which will increase the prep time.
After the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure and open the pot. The sweet potatoes should be tender and creamy when done.
Yes, cooked sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer-term storage, up to a year.
