Sweet Potato Cooking: Ultimate Guide to Delicious Recipes

sweet potatoes! They're the unsung heroes of the vegetable world, in my opinion. I'm a total convert, you see. I can't get enough of their versatility, their affordability, and, of course, their incredible taste. From sweet to savoury, they can do it all, and I've been whipping up sweet potato recipes for years, learning a thing or two along the way. Join me as we embark on a culinary adventure, starting with picking the perfect sweet potato and ending with some of my favourite recipes. It's going to be delicious!

(Part 1) Picking the Perfect Sweet Potato

A good sweet potato is like a good friend – it's got to be reliable and full of flavour. So, before you even think about cooking, let's talk about picking the best ones. It's not as complicated as you might think!

Look for a Smooth, Firm Surface

Imagine a sweet potato that's like a smooth, velvety canvas. That's what you're looking for. Avoid any that have soft spots or wrinkles, as those are signs of spoilage. It's a bit like choosing a good apple, really. You want it to be blemish-free.

Check the Size and Shape

I usually go for medium-sized sweet potatoes, as they're easy to handle and cook evenly. But, if you're whipping up a large dish, like a casserole, go for a big one! The shape doesn't matter too much. Just avoid any that look weirdly bent or twisted.

Feel for the Weight

Don't be shy, give your sweet potato a little squeeze! A good one should feel heavy for its size, indicating it's full of moisture and flavour.

Get to Know the Varieties

There's a whole world of sweet potato varieties out there, each with its own unique flavour and texture. Here are a few of my personal favourites:

1. Beauregard: This is the classic! With a beautiful orange flesh and a rich, sweet flavour, it's always a good choice.
2. Garnet: A bit paler than Beauregard, the Garnet sweet potato has a wonderfully moist texture. It's a real star for roasting.
3. Japanese Purple: This one is truly special. The purple flesh has a sweet, earthy flavour that's a bit more intense than other varieties. It's brilliant in salads and side dishes.
4. Covenant: A deep orange colour, Covenant sweet potatoes have a rich flavour and a firm texture. They're perfect for baking.

(Part 2) Storage and Preparation

So, you've got your perfect sweet potatoes. Now, how do you keep them fresh and ready to cook?

Store Sweet Potatoes in a Cool, Dark Place

The fridge is not the friend of the sweet potato. Cold temperatures can damage them. Keep them in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. They'll last for a couple of weeks if you keep them in a well-ventilated space. And, a little tip: avoid keeping them near onions or garlic as the strong smells can affect their flavour.

Prepare Sweet Potatoes for Cooking

Before you start cooking, give your sweet potatoes a good wash. Then, you can choose to leave the skin on or peel it. If you're peeling, use a sharp peeler to avoid waste and try to remove only the thin layer of skin. If you're keeping the skin on, give it a good scrub, but don't worry about removing every little bump.

(Part 3) baking sweet potatoes

Baking is a classic way to bring out the natural sweetness of a sweet potato. It's easy, versatile, and oh so delicious!

baking tips

When you're baking sweet potatoes, temperature is key! I recommend baking them at 350°F (175°C). Don't be tempted to bake them at a higher temperature, as they might burn on the outside before they're cooked through. I also recommend pricking the sweet potatoes with a fork before baking to let the steam escape. This helps to prevent them from bursting.

Baking Times

The baking time will vary depending on the size of your sweet potato. A medium-sized sweet potato will take about 45-60 minutes to bake. Larger sweet potatoes may take up to an hour. You'll know they're ready when they're soft to the touch. If you're not sure, check with a fork. If it goes in easily, it's done.

baked sweet potato Recipes

Once your sweet potatoes are baked, the world is your oyster. Here are a few of my favourite ways to enjoy baked sweet potatoes:

1. Sweet and Savoury: Slice your baked sweet potato and top with some crumbled feta, chopped walnuts, and a drizzle of honey. It's a simple but delicious combination of sweet and savoury flavours.
2. Spicy sweet potato salad: Dice your baked sweet potato and toss it with some chopped red onion, cilantro, and a spicy lime dressing. It's a refreshing and flavourful salad that's perfect for a summer lunch.
3. Sweet Potato Toast: Slice your baked sweet potato into rounds, toast them up, and top with your favourite toppings. I love avocado and a sprinkle of sea salt on mine.

(Part 4) roasting sweet potatoes

Roasting brings out a beautiful caramelized flavour and a wonderfully soft texture in sweet potatoes. It's another classic technique that's worth mastering.

roasting tips

Just like baking, roasting sweet potatoes is all about getting the temperature right. I usually roast them at 400°F (200°C). Make sure to toss them in a little bit of oil before roasting, so they get nice and crispy on the outside.

roasting times

Roasting times vary depending on the size and thickness of your sweet potatoes. You can roast them whole, or you can cut them into chunks. For smaller chunks, it will take about 20-25 minutes. Larger chunks or whole sweet potatoes will take about 45-60 minutes.

roasted sweet potato Recipes

roasted sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Roasted Sweet Potato and chickpea curry: Add roasted sweet potatoes to your favourite chickpea curry for a hearty and flavourful meal.
2. Roasted Sweet potato soup: Roast some sweet potatoes with onions and garlic, then blend them up with some vegetable broth for a delicious and comforting soup.
3. Roasted Sweet Potato and Kale Salad: Combine roasted sweet potatoes with sauteed kale, roasted pecans, and a tangy vinaigrette for a light and delicious salad.

(Part 5) boiling sweet potatoes

Boiling is a quick and easy way to cook sweet potatoes, especially when you're short on time. It's perfect for making mash or adding to other dishes.

Boiling Tips

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add your sweet potatoes to the boiling water, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Boil the sweet potatoes until they're tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size.

Boiling Times

To check if the sweet potatoes are done, pierce them with a fork. If it goes in easily, they're ready. If you're boiling them whole, you can also check by squeezing them gently. If they give way to your touch, they're ready.

Boiled Sweet potato recipes

Boiled sweet potatoes are great for making sweet potato mash, which can be enjoyed as a side dish or used in other recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Sweet Potato Mash: Simply mash the boiled sweet potatoes with some butter, salt, and pepper for a classic side dish.
2. Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie: Use boiled sweet potato mash as a topping for your favourite shepherd's pie for a healthy and delicious twist.
3. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos: Combine boiled sweet potatoes with black beans, salsa, and your favourite toppings for a hearty and satisfying burrito.

(Part 6) microwave sweet potatoes

For those times when you need a meal on the table in a hurry, the microwave is your friend! It's a quick and easy way to cook sweet potatoes.

Microwaving Tips

Wash your sweet potatoes and pierce them with a fork a few times. This will help to prevent them from exploding in the microwave. Place the sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and add a tablespoon of water. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.

Microwaving Times

The microwaving time will vary depending on the size and power of your microwave. A medium-sized sweet potato will usually take about 5-8 minutes to cook. You'll know they're ready when they're soft to the touch.

Microwaved sweet potato recipes

Microwaved sweet potatoes are great for quick and easy meals. Here are a few ideas:

1. Sweet Potato and black bean salad: Combine microwaved sweet potatoes with black beans, corn, and your favourite dressing for a quick and easy salad.
2. Sweet Potato Tacos: Microwave some sweet potatoes, then mash them with some spices and use them as a filling for tacos.
3. Sweet Potato Oatmeal: Add mashed microwaved sweet potatoes to your oatmeal for a boost of sweetness and nutrients.

(Part 7) Sweet potato fritters

Sweet potato fritters are a delightful and easy snack or appetizer. They're perfect for a casual get-together or a potluck.

Ingredients

You will need:

1. 1 large sweet potato, grated
2. 1/2 cup flour
3. 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
4. 1 egg
5. 1/4 cup chopped onion
6. 1 teaspoon chili powder
7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
8. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
9. vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

First, combine the grated sweet potato, flour, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the sweet potato mixture into the hot oil. Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fritters from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with your favourite dipping sauce.

(Part 8) sweet potato fries

Sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to regular fries. They're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they're packed with flavour.

Ingredients

You will need:

1. 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. 1 teaspoon salt
4. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
5. 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
6. 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato fries, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly.Spread the sweet potato fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they're golden brown and crispy.

(Part 9) sweet potato pie

Sweet potato pie is a classic dessert that's perfect for any occasion. It's rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

You will need:

1. 1 (9-inch) pie crust
2. 3 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
3. 1 cup granulated sugar
4. 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
5. 1/2 cup butter, melted
6. 2 large eggs
7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
9. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10. 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the cooked and mashed sweet potatoes into a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined. Pour the filling into the pie crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let cool completely before serving.

(Part 10) sweet potato smoothies

Sweet potatoes are a fantastic addition to smoothies, adding natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue. They're a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!

Sweet Potato Smoothie Recipes

Here are a couple of my favourite sweet potato smoothie recipes to get you started:

1. Tropical Sweet Potato Smoothie: Combine 1 cup frozen mango, 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato, 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup orange juice, and 1/4 cup coconut milk in a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Smoothie: Combine 1 cup frozen banana, 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato, 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup almond milk, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a blender. Blend until smooth.

(Part 11) Sweet potato bread

sweet potato bread is a moist and delicious bread that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacking. It's like a more flavourful banana bread, with that lovely orange hue.

Ingredients

You will need:

1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
7. 1 cup granulated sugar
8. 2 large eggs
9. 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
10. 1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the mashed sweet potato and buttermilk. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

(Part 12) Sweet Potato Chili

Sweet potato chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cold winter night. It's a great way to get your sweet potato fix while warming up your insides.

Ingredients

You will need:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 red bell pepper, chopped
5. 1 green bell pepper, chopped
6. 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
7. 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
8. 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
9. 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
10. 1 teaspoon chili powder
11. 1/2 teaspoon cumin
12. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
13. Salt and pepper to taste
14. Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, topped with chopped cilantro, if desired.

(Part 13) Sweet Potato Salad

Sweet potato salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even as a light lunch. It's a wonderful way to showcase the sweetness and versatility of sweet potatoes.

Ingredients

You will need:

1. 2 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and diced
2. 1/2 cup chopped celery
3. 1/4 cup chopped red onion
4. 1/4 cup mayonnaise
5. 2 tablespoons sour cream
6. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
7. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
9. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10. 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the cooked and diced sweet potatoes, celery, and red onion. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the sweet potato mixture and toss to coat evenly. Stir in the chopped parsley. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. What's the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?

This is a common question! In the US, the term "yam" is often used to refer to sweet potatoes, but there's actually a difference. Yams are a starchy root vegetable with a brown, rough skin, while sweet potatoes belong to the morning glory family and have a smooth skin that can be orange, purple, or white. In the UK, the term "yam" is rarely used, so you're likely to find sweet potatoes labelled as such.

2. How can I tell if a sweet potato is bad?

A good sweet potato should be firm to the touch, with no soft spots or wrinkles. If it has any signs of mould, or if it feels mushy, it's best to avoid it.

3. Can I freeze sweet potatoes?

You can absolutely freeze sweet potatoes, but it's best to cook them first. Cook them until they're tender, then cool them completely before freezing. You can freeze them whole or chopped, and they'll last for up to 6 months in the freezer.

4. How do I know if sweet potatoes are done?

When baking or roasting, you can tell if a sweet potato is done by inserting a fork into the centre. If it goes in easily, it's ready. You can also check by pressing on the sweet potato gently. If it gives way to your touch, it's done.

5. What are some healthy benefits of sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, fibre, and potassium. They're also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body against damage.

There you have it! My ultimate guide to sweet potato cooking. It's a versatile, flavourful vegetable that's perfect for sweet and savoury dishes. I hope you have as much fun experimenting with sweet potato recipes as I do. Enjoy!