Steaming Sweet Potato Perfection With Your Rice Cooker

Sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient, and can be steamed, boiled, baked, roasted, grilled, or fried. They are highly nutritious, containing vitamins A and C, fibre, and potassium, and are low in calories and fat-free. One tasty way to cook sweet potatoes is in a rice cooker steamer, which is simple and effective, and results in moist and fluffy sweet potatoes packed with nutrients and flavour.

How to steam sweet potatoes in a rice cooker

Steaming sweet potatoes in a rice cooker is a simple and effective way to cook them. This cooking method results in moist and fluffy sweet potatoes packed with nutrients and flavor. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam sweet potatoes in a rice cooker:

Step 1: Wash and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by washing your sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. If your sweet potatoes are too big, cut them into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. You can leave the skin on or peel it off, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Place the sweet potatoes in the rice cooker. Add water until it covers the sweet potatoes. The amount of water required may vary depending on the model of your rice cooker.

Step 3: Steam the Sweet Potatoes

Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. If your rice cooker has a "`steam` setting, select that option. Otherwise, simply turn on the cooker and let it cook. Allow the sweet potatoes to cook for about 20-30 minutes, depending on their size.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

To check if your sweet potatoes are done, insert a fork or knife into the center of one of the potatoes. If it pierces through easily, the sweet potatoes are cooked. Overcooked sweet potatoes can become mushy and lose their flavor, so be careful not to overcook them.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sweet potatoes are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the rice cooker and serve them. You can enjoy them as they are or add some seasonings, butter, cinnamon, or brown sugar to enhance the flavor.

Tips and Variations:

• You can add other ingredients to the rice cooker while steaming sweet potatoes, such as carrots, green beans, or even meat. Just ensure that the total volume of ingredients does not exceed the cooker's maximum capacity.
• Steaming sweet potatoes helps retain their nutrients, including vitamins A and C and fiber. It is a healthy cooking method that makes the nutrients more easily absorbed by the body.
• If you want to add flavor to your steamed sweet potatoes, try adding a pat of butter or sprinkling on some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also serve them with a sauce or dip on the side.

How to roast sweet potatoes in a rice cooker

Roasting sweet potatoes in a rice cooker is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this nutritious dish. The natural sugars in the sweet potatoes are released during the cooking process, resulting in a slightly sweeter flavor and a softer texture than oven-roasted potatoes. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly roasted sweet potatoes in a rice cooker.

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by selecting medium to large sweet potatoes with a smooth, even surface. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to ensure they are clean and free of any dirt or debris. You can choose to leave the skin on or peel it off, depending on your preference. If you are keeping the skin on, use a fork to prick the potatoes a few times to allow steam to escape during cooking. Then, cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Set Up the Rice Cooker

Place the sweet potato pieces into the inner pot of your rice cooker. Add water until it covers the sweet potatoes. The amount of water required may vary depending on your rice cooker model, so adjust accordingly. If your rice cooker has a steamer basket, you can place the sweet potatoes inside and add water to the inner pot until it reaches just below the basket.

Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. If your rice cooker has a "Steam" setting, select that. Otherwise, you can use the Multi-cook or Plain function, followed by the Pressure Cook/Turbo button. Set the timer for around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your sweet potato pieces. Smaller pieces will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

To check if your sweet potatoes are done, insert a fork or knife into the center of a piece. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are cooked. Overcooked sweet potatoes will become mushy, so be careful not to exceed the recommended cooking time.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your sweet potatoes are cooked to your liking, remove them from the rice cooker and serve. You can enjoy them as they are or add some butter, cinnamon, or brown sugar for extra flavor. Seasoned roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish or snack.

Tips and Variations:

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle spices like cinnamon or nutmeg over the sweet potatoes before cooking.
• You can also cook rice and sweet potatoes together in a rice cooker, but be mindful of the different cooking times and textures.
• If you want to steam-cook your sweet potatoes, follow the same steps, but reduce the cooking time to around 20 minutes or until tender.

Enjoy your perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, knowing they are a tasty and nutritious treat!

How to select the best sweet potatoes for steaming

When selecting sweet potatoes for steaming, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best results. Firstly, choose medium to large sweet potatoes with a smooth and even surface. Avoid sweet potatoes that are excessively large or have wrinkled skin, as they may be more challenging to steam evenly.

Secondly, consider the type of sweet potato you prefer. There are various types available, such as Japanese sweet potatoes (Satsumaimo), which are known for their deep magenta skin and extraordinarily sweet flavour, or chestnut sweet potatoes, which have a nutty flavour. You can also find pumpkin sweet potatoes, which are moist, or orange-fleshed varieties.

Thirdly, ensure the sweet potatoes are fresh and firm. The skin should be thin, and the flesh should be free of any bruises or soft spots. Check the packaging or ask your grocer to find out when the sweet potatoes were harvested, as you want to choose ones that are in season and at their peak flavour.

Finally, plan how many sweet potatoes you will need for your meal. As a general rule, if the sweet potatoes are larger than 150g, you may need to cut them in half. If you are steaming multiple sweet potatoes, ensure they are all roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.

How to add flavour to steamed sweet potatoes

Cooking sweet potatoes in a rice cooker is an easy and convenient way to prepare this nutritious food. Here's a simple method:

• Wash the sweet potatoes. If they are larger than 150g, cut them in half.
• Pour 2 cups of water into the inner pot of your rice cooker.
• Place the steam pot inside the inner pot and put the sweet potatoes on top.
• Select the 'Multi-cook' function and push the 'Pressure Cook/Turbo' button after setting the time for 35 minutes.
• Once the cooking is complete, carefully handle the hot sweet potatoes.

Now, here are some mouth-watering ways to add flavour to your steamed sweet potatoes:

Cinnamon Butter

Sprinkle some cinnamon on buttered sweet potatoes for a delicious twist. Whip butter with brown sugar and cinnamon, and dollop it on a baked sweet potato.

Tahini

Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes. Drizzle whipped tahini on a baked or air-fried sweet potato, or steam the sweet potatoes and then coat them in a tahini sauce.

Savory Chili Sauce

For a Mexican-inspired dish, dice sweet potatoes and toss them in tamari, oil, maple syrup, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Then, roast them in the oven. This works great in burrito bowls, tacos, or grain bowls.

Salt and Pepper

Sometimes, keeping it simple is best. Lightly sprinkle some salt and pepper on your baked or roasted sweet potato.

Ginger and Orange

Glaze pre-baked sweet potato slices with a mixture of orange juice, ginger slices, brown sugar, and butter or olive oil. Simmer until the sauce thickens and the potatoes start to brown.

Garlic and Rosemary

Garlic and rosemary are a classic combination that works wonderfully with sweet potatoes. Marinade raw sweet potatoes in a garlic-rosemary oil mixture before baking or sautéing, or use baked garlic and toasted rosemary whipped into a spread.

Honey Mustard

For crispy sweet potato fries, dip them in a honey mustard sauce. Mix Dijon mustard with honey and a bit of mayonnaise or olive oil.

Brown Sugar and Pecans

Whip butter with brown sugar and sprinkle on some crushed toasted pecans or candied pecans. This combination is a perfect pairing for the fluffy sweetness of a baked sweet potato.

Maple Syrup

Drizzle maple syrup on a baked sweet potato for a simple yet effective flavour boost. For a more sophisticated dish, combine maple syrup with butter for a glaze.

Pesto

Make your own pesto by blending garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, sea salt, pepper, and basil leaves. Drizzle this nutty sauce on a baked sweet potato for a unique flavour profile.

Goddess Dressing

Green goddess dressing, made with tahini, fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic, and vinegar, is a tangy and creamy addition to sweet potatoes. Drizzle it on steamed sweet potatoes or use it as a dip for sweet potato fries.

Honey and Bacon

Combine honey and bacon on a sweet potato for a sweet and savoury delight. Drizzle honey and bacon fat on roasted diced sweet potatoes and top with crispy bacon bits.

Manouri and Honey

Spread manouri cheese, a soft Greek cheese made from sheep and goat's milk, on a baked sweet potato and drizzle with honey. Add extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper for an even richer experience.

Spinach and Melted Feta

Combine steamed spinach with feta cheese and stuff the mixture into a baked sweet potato. The salty, tangy feta and mild spinach complement the sweetness of the potato.

How to cook sweet potatoes in a rice cooker without a steamer

First, wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly. You don't want any dirt or debris from your cooker while they're cooking. If your sweet potatoes are large, cut them into halves or quarters.

Next, place the sweet potatoes into the inner pot of your rice cooker. Add water until it covers the sweet potatoes. If you don't have an inner pot, simply add the sweet potatoes and water directly into your rice cooker.

Now, close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. If your rice cooker has a "steam" or "pressure cook" setting, select that. Otherwise, simply press the "cook" button or select the "plain" function. Let the sweet potatoes cook for about 20-35 minutes, or until they are soft. You can test if they are done by inserting a fork or knife into the centre of a potato; if it slides in easily, they are ready.

Once they are cooked, carefully remove the inner pot (if you have one) or take the sweet potatoes out of your rice cooker. Enjoy your sweet potatoes as they are, or add some butter, cinnamon, or brown sugar for extra flavour.

Frequently asked questions