Steaming Sweet Potatoes: The Perfect Oven Method

Steaming sweet potatoes is a great way to cook them, as it preserves more of their nutrients and is faster than baking. The sweet potatoes emerge moist and tender, making them perfect for topping, stuffing, or enjoying as a simple side dish. This method is also efficient and hands-off, and doesn't require the use of fat.

Steamer basket or colander

To cook sweet potatoes using a steamer basket or colander, start by scrubbing two medium-sized sweet potatoes (about 1/2 pound each). Next, fill a large pot with water until it reaches 1 inch below the bottom of the steamer basket or colander. Place the steamer basket or colander inside the pot, and put the sweet potatoes inside. Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Allow the sweet potatoes to steam for about 30 minutes, or until you can insert a paring knife into them without resistance. Remove the sweet potatoes from the steamer basket or colander using tongs, and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can create a makeshift steamer by using a metal colander or a baking rack, a large pot, and some aluminum foil. First, fill the pot with approximately half an inch of water. Place the metal colander or strainer inside the pot, leaving enough space so that the boiling water won't touch the strainer. If your strainer doesn't rest on the rim of the pot, you may need to hold it in place, so consider using a strainer with a heat-proof handle or protecting yourself with an oven mitt. Place the sweet potatoes in a single layer in the strainer, bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat so that it's barely bubbling. Cover the pot to prevent steam from escaping and check on the sweet potatoes frequently to prevent over-cooking.

Steaming sweet potatoes is a great way to preserve their nutrients, and it's faster than baking. Steamed sweet potatoes are a versatile staple that can be served with various toppings or added to grain bowls, salads, and soups.

Medium-sized sweet potatoes

Cooking medium-sized sweet potatoes in a steam oven is a great way to prepare this nutritious root vegetable. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving delicious, tender sweet potatoes:

Preparation:

Start by selecting medium-sized sweet potatoes, weighing around 8 ounces each. You can use orange-flesh potatoes, such as Jewel or Red Garnet varieties, or even white-flesh sweet potatoes. For even cooking, try to ensure the potatoes are of similar size.

Cooking Process:

• Place a steamer basket or colander inside a large pot.
• Add water to the pot until it reaches about 1 inch below the bottom of the steamer basket.
• Bring the water to a boil.
• Carefully place the whole sweet potatoes into the steamer basket.
• Maintain a steady boil and steam the potatoes for 25 to 35 minutes. The exact timing will depend on the size of the potatoes. You're aiming for them to be tender when pierced with a fork.
• Once they're tender, remove the potatoes from the steamer and let them rest for about 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

You can serve the steamed sweet potatoes in a variety of ways:

• Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise and add your favourite toppings, such as butter, salt, and pepper.
• For a more indulgent option, try cinnamon with a hint of maple syrup.
• If you're feeling adventurous, top them with sour cream and chives, or load them with black beans and salsa.
• For an exotic twist, try peanut butter sauce and slaw, or go for a Thai-style combination.
• You can also add steamed sweet potatoes to salads, soups, or grain bowls for a nutritious boost.

Additional Tips:

• Steaming sweet potatoes is faster than baking and helps retain more nutrients.
• If you're using a steam oven with variable settings, a temperature of around 400°F/200°C and a steam level of about 60% is recommended.
• If you want to speed up the cooking time, you can peel and cut the sweet potatoes into large pieces before steaming, but this will affect the texture.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked, tender, and flavourful medium-sized sweet potatoes!

Boiling water

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by rinsing and scrubbing the sweet potatoes under cold water. You can choose to leave the skin on or peel it off with a vegetable peeler. Leaving the skin on will give you a boost of fibre and potassium, as well as adding a subtle texture to each bite. If you're making mashed sweet potatoes, peeling the skin will give you a smoother texture.

Next, cut the sweet potatoes into similar-sized chunks or cubes. Cutting them into smaller pieces will reduce the cooking time. If you're boiling whole sweet potatoes, try to find ones that are of similar size.

Step 2: Boil the Water

Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove. Make sure you have enough water to cover the sweet potatoes by at least 1 inch. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavour. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Step 3: Add the Sweet Potatoes

Carefully add the sweet potatoes to the boiling water. If you're boiling chunks or cubes, reduce the heat to medium-high and maintain a slow boil. Boil until the sweet potatoes are tender. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes:

• Small to medium whole sweet potatoes: 30-40 minutes
• Large whole sweet potatoes: 40-50 minutes
• 1-inch cubes: 12-15 minutes
• 2-inch cubes: 20-25 minutes

Step 4: Drain and Serve

Once the sweet potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander. You can now enjoy your boiled sweet potatoes as a side dish or use them in various recipes. Some serving suggestions include adding a little butter or sour cream, or using them to make sweet potato puree, pancakes, casserole, or vegetarian tacos.

Toppings

Savoury

• Sour cream and chives
• Butter, salt and pepper
• Black beans and salsa
• Sautéed broccoli and cheese sauce
• Vegan or regular taco meat, refried beans, cheddar cheese, nacho cheese, salsa, chopped lettuce and crushed tortilla chips
• Grated cheese
• Bacon, sweetcorn, black beans and scallions (spring onions)
• Feta cheese and pesto
• Chilli or sriracha sauce
• Roasted cashews, almonds, pine nuts or crispy fried onions
• Hot honey and chopped pecans
• Salted butter and chilli powder
• Creme fraiche, chives, salt and pepper
• Herbed butter
• Salted butter and brown sugar
• Salsa and sharp cheddar
• Toasted pepitas, cilantro, salt and pepper

Sweet

• Cinnamon and maple syrup
• Peanut butter sauce and slaw
• Tahini butter and sesame seeds

Tender texture

Steaming sweet potatoes is a great way to achieve a tender texture. The sweet potatoes are cooked through when they can be easily pierced with a fork or a knife. The cooking time will depend on the size of the sweet potatoes and the type of steamer you are using.

Steamer Basket

Place water in a pot to a level just below the steamer basket (about 1 inch of water). Bring the water to a boil. Add the steamer basket with whole sweet potatoes. Maintain a steady boil and steam for 25 to 35 minutes, depending on the size of the potato, until tender when pierced with a fork. Allow the sweet potatoes to sit for 5 minutes, then slice in half and add toppings.

Instant Pot

You can also steam sweet potatoes in an Instant Pot. Place water in the Instant Pot to a level just below the steamer basket. Add the steamer basket with whole sweet potatoes. Maintain pressure and steam for 25 to 35 minutes, depending on the size of the potato, until tender when pierced with a fork. Allow the sweet potatoes to sit for 5 minutes, then slice in half and add toppings.

Baking

Baking sweet potatoes is another way to achieve a tender texture. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Use a fork to poke holes into the sweet potatoes, and set them on the baking sheet. Roast for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the skin has puffed up and you can easily pierce them with a fork.

Boiling

Boiling sweet potatoes is also an option for achieving a tender texture. Place the sweet potatoes in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 50 minutes, depending on the size of the sweet potatoes, until tender when pierced with a fork.

Frequently asked questions