Sweet Potato Stains: Clean Your Pan With Ease

Sweet potatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be boiled, baked, mashed, or cooked in a microwave. However, one simple method that is often overlooked is pan-frying. This technique produces sweet potato slices that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. To achieve this, it is important to use the right type of pan, the correct amount of oil, and ensure even slicing.

Use a cast-iron skillet

Using a cast-iron skillet is a great way to cook sweet potatoes, yielding a crispy and caramelized crust. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a cast-iron skillet to cook sweet potatoes:

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

First, peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into small, uniform pieces. The size and shape of the pieces will impact the cooking time, so it is important to ensure they are all similar in size. Cutting them into cubes or slices about 1/4 inch thick is a good option.

Step 2: Heat the Cast-Iron Skillet

Place your cast-iron skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Cast iron skillets are ideal for cooking sweet potatoes because they provide excellent heat distribution and durability. Once the skillet is hot, add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. You can use various types of oil, such as avocado, olive, coconut, or bacon grease.

Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Now, it's time to add the sweet potatoes to the skillet. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking, and avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the sweet potatoes undisturbed for 3-5 minutes. Depending on the size of the potatoes, the cooking time may vary. Resist the temptation to turn them too soon, as you want to achieve a golden-brown, crispy crust.

Step 4: Flip and Continue Cooking

Once the first side of the sweet potatoes has reached the desired level of crispiness, carefully flip them over. You can use a spatula or tongs to flip them gently. Repeat the cooking process for the other side, allowing it to turn golden brown and crispy as well. If needed, you can flip them multiple times until they reach the desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Add Seasonings (Optional)

At this point, you can add your desired seasonings to enhance the flavor of the sweet potatoes. Some popular options include salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, sage, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. However, if you prefer your sweet potatoes on the sweeter side, you can add brown sugar or drizzle them with honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that adding salt too early in the cooking process can draw moisture out of the potatoes, so it's best to season them at the end.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your sweet potatoes are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a plate and serve them hot. Cast-iron skillet sweet potatoes make a delicious side dish or breakfast treat and can be paired with various proteins and vegetables. Enjoy the crispy, caramelized goodness of your freshly cooked sweet potatoes!

Slice the sweet potatoes evenly

Slicing your sweet potatoes evenly is key to ensuring they cook at the same rate. The more even the slices, the more evenly they will cook. This is especially important if you are aiming for a crispy exterior and soft interior.

To achieve even slices, start by trimming a thin sliver off one side of the sweet potato to create a flat edge. This will give you a stable base to work with and prevent the potato from rolling around. Place the sweet potato on the flat side and use a sharp knife to cut it into your desired shape and thickness. If you're making thin slices, you can use chopsticks to place on either side of the potato to prevent cutting all the way through. Aim for a thickness of slightly less than 1/4 inch. If you are dicing the sweet potatoes, cut them into small, evenly-sized cubes of about 1/2" each.

Once you have your evenly sliced sweet potatoes, you can proceed with your preferred cooking method, such as pan-frying, roasting, or baking. Remember to adjust your cooking time based on the size and shape of your slices to ensure they are cooked through.

Add oil to the pan

The type of oil you use is important. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan or skillet over medium to medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot, but not so hot that it starts to smoke. If using coconut oil, heat it until it is liquid. You will need enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan and prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of oil, and add more as needed to prevent sticking.

Once the oil is hot, it's time to add the sweet potatoes.

Cook on medium heat

Cooking sweet potatoes on a medium heat is a great way to get a delicious, crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this:

Firstly, prepare your sweet potatoes. Peel the skin off the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Then, cut the sweet potatoes into even slices or cubes. For slices, cut them about 1/4 inch thick. For cubes, cut the sweet potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into lengthwise planks. Stack the planks and cut into strips, then cut the strips crosswise to form cubes. Aim for a similar size so they cook evenly.

Next, heat your pan. A cast-iron skillet or a non-stick frying pan are the best options. Heat the pan on medium-high heat, then reduce to medium heat. Add your choice of oil to the pan. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil. Swirl the oil to coat the pan.

Now, add the sweet potatoes to the pan. Ensure they are in a single layer with a bit of space between each slice or cube. This will help them crisp up. Sprinkle with salt and any other desired seasonings. Cover the pan with a lid.

Cook the sweet potatoes for 3-4 minutes without stirring, so a crust can form. Then, stir the potatoes and cover again. Continue cooking for about 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are golden brown and fork-tender.

Finally, remove the sweet potatoes from the heat and serve. You can sprinkle with more seasonings, like chili powder, cinnamon, or paprika, and stir to coat. Enjoy!

Season to taste

Seasoning your sweet potatoes is a great way to add flavour and make them even more delicious. Here are some ideas for seasoning to taste:

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a popular choice for sweet potatoes and can add a wonderful depth of flavour. However, some people prefer to leave it out, so it's worth considering your audience before adding this spice. If you do use cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon is the best option for the most flavour.

Salt

Salt is a simple but effective seasoning that can bring out the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. It can be added during the cooking process or sprinkled on top after serving.

Parsley

Parsley can add a nice touch of colour and freshness to your dish. It pairs well with cinnamon and is a great option if you're looking for something a little more subtle.

Spicy Seasonings

If you like your food with a kick, try adding some chipotle pepper seasoning and smoked paprika. This combination will give your sweet potatoes a nice spicy flavour that's sure to tingle your taste buds.

Chili Powder

Chilli powder is another great option for those who like their food spicy. It can be added during cooking or sprinkled on top just before serving.

Cumin, Paprika, and Garlic

A blend of cumin, paprika, and garlic can take your sweet potatoes to the next level. These savoury spices complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes and create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Tahini

Tahini is a great option for those who want a creamier texture and a nuttier flavour. It can be drizzled on top of the sweet potatoes or used as a dip.

Brown Sugar

If you want to enhance the sweetness of your sweet potatoes, brown sugar is a great option. It can be added during the cooking process to create a delicious caramelized exterior.

Pepper

Pepper is a simple but effective seasoning that can add a bit of spice to your dish. It pairs well with salt and can be adjusted to your taste preferences.

Other Ideas

There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning sweet potatoes. You can try other spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom, or even a sweet option like maple syrup. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavour profile!

Frequently asked questions