How To Cook Sweet Potato In Microwave

To cook sweet potatoes in the microwave, you need to collect some ingredients first. For this start by selecting firm and fresh sweet potatoes that are of similar size to ensure even cooking. You also need other ingredients for a perfect cook.

Here are the ingredients, have a look:

1. Sweet Potatoes: Choose sweet potatoes with smooth skin and no soft spots. You can peel them or leave the skin on, depending on your preference.
2. Salt: Adding salt helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and adds flavor during the cooking process. So, add the right amount of salt as per your preference. 
3. Black Pepper: Freshly grounded black pepper is a great way to provide more flavor to your sweet potato. It cuts through the sweetness and provides a freshness.
4. Butter: Use unsalted butter for this recipe which is often added at the end to make the sweet potato even more creamy.

To cook sweet potatoes in a microwave, follow these steps for a delicious and versatile cooking method:

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized sweet potato
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 small cube of butter

Instructions

• Start by selecting sweet potatoes for cooking. Look for ones that are firm and smooth-skinned, without any soft spots or wrinkles. Choose sweet potatoes that feel heavy for their size, indicating they are fresh and full of moisture. 
• The next step is to wash the sweet potatoes. Start by rinsing them under cold running water. Use your hands to gently scrub off any dirt or debris. If needed, you can use a vegetable brush or clean sponge to scrub the skin more thoroughly. 
• Pierce the sweet potato with a fork 5-6 times to allow the steam to escape and not overcook the sweet potatoes.

• Place the sweet potato in a microwave-safe plate and place the plate inside the microwave. Run the microwave for 5-10 minutes. One sweet potato takes 5 minutes and you can add 2 minutes to this time for every additional sweet potato.
• Check for doneness by piercing the sweet potato with a fork. If it is fork tender, it’s done. If it isn’t, continue the cooking process with 30 seconds increment.
• Once cooked, take the sweet potato out of the microwave and split it down the middle. Season the inside with salt and pepper. Finish it off by adding a small cube of butter.

Unlike potatoes that often come in similar sizes, sweet potatoes tend to be of different sizes. As a result of this, cooking time for these spuds varies significantly.

However, on average, one sweet potato cooks in about 5 minutes. You can then add 2 minutes of extra time for each additional sweet potato. To reach your desired level of doneness, you can check the doneness by simply poking the spud with a fork.

Be mindful not to overcook them, as this can cause them to become mushy. Adjust the cooking time based on the specific size of your sweet potato pieces and your preferred level of softness, ensuring they are just right for your recipe or dish.

Many of us might be confused about the right way to cook sweet potatoes. Some of us cook with skin and some prefer to peel skin during the cooking process.

With Skin

Well, cooking sweet potatoes with the skin on has several advantages, such as:

1. Nutrient Retention: Many of the nutrients in sweet potatoes, such as vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, are concentrated near the skin. Cooking with the skin on helps retain these nutrients, as they are less likely to leach out into the cooking water.
2. Texture and Flavor: The skin adds a pleasant texture and earthy flavor to dishes. It can become slightly crispy when roasted or provide a contrast in texture when mashed or pureed.
3. Ease of Preparation: Cooking sweet potatoes with the skin on is convenient, as you don't need to peel them beforehand. After cooking, the skin can easily be removed if desired, especially for recipes where a smoother texture is preferred.

Without Skin

Cooking peeled sweet potatoes is also preferred in certain situations, check out the reasons:

1. Uniform Texture: Peeled sweet potatoes tend to cook more evenly and have a smoother texture once mashed or pureed. This makes them ideal for recipes where a consistent texture is desired, such as in soups, stews, or casseroles.

2. Faster Cooking: Peeled sweet potatoes may cook slightly faster than those with the skin on, as the skin can insulate the flesh and slow down the cooking process.

3. Appearance: Peeled sweet potatoes result in a more uniform appearance in dishes where the skin might not be visually appealing or desired.

Considerations for Both Methods

• Personal Preference: The choice between cooking sweet potatoes with the skin on or peeled often comes down to personal preference and the specific dish you are preparing.
• Nutritional Benefits: Both methods offer nutritional benefits, but cooking with the skin may preserve more nutrients. However, the difference in nutrient loss between peeled and unpeeled sweet potatoes during cooking is generally minimal.

Hence, cooking sweet potatoes with the skin on them can preserve nutrients and add texture and flavor to dishes, while peeled sweet potatoes may be preferred for recipes requiring a smooth texture.

• Wash and prick the skin several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
• For even cooking, choose sweet potatoes of similar size and shape.
• Wrap potatoes in damp paper towels to help retain moisture and cook more evenly.
• Cook on high for about 5 minutes per potato, rotating halfway through. Cooking time may vary based on size and microwave power.
• Let potatoes rest for 5 minutes after cooking to finish steaming and become easier to handle.

After cooking sweet potatoes, proper storage is important to maintain their flavor and texture. Here are tips for storing cooked sweet potatoes:

1. Refrigeration

Store cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. They can be stored whole or cut into pieces.

2. Freezing (Optional)

If you plan to store them longer, you can freeze cooked sweet potatoes. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep well for up to 10-12 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or using them in recipes.

Sweet potatoes are versatile and can be used in various delicious ways. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

1. Mashed Sweet Potatoes- Mash boiled sweet potatoes with a fork or potato masher, and season with butter, salt, pepper, and a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for a simple and nutritious side dish.

2. Sweet Potato Salad- Sweet potatoes and toss with a vinaigrette dressing along with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs for a refreshing salad.

3. Sweet Potato Soup- Blend cooked sweet potatoes with vegetable or chicken broth, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin or paprika to create a creamy and comforting soup.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole- Layer mashed or sliced sweet potatoes with a topping made of brown sugar, pecans, and marshmallows, then bake until golden and bubbly for a festive side dish.

5. Sweet Potato Fries- Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake until crispy for a healthier alternative to regular fries.

6. Sweet Potato Pancakes or Waffles- Mix mashed sweet potatoes into pancake or waffle batter for a nutritious and slightly sweet breakfast treat.

7. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes- Hollow out cooked sweet potatoes and fill them with ingredients like black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa for a satisfying and flavorful vegetarian meal.

8. Sweet Potato Hash- Dice sweet potatoes and sauté them with onions, bell peppers, and your choice of protein (such as bacon or sausage) for a hearty breakfast or brunch dish.

9. Sweet Potato and Bean Chili- Add diced cooked sweet potatoes to a pot of chili along with beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and other seasonings for a hearty and nutritious twist on a classic dish.

10. Sweet Potato Smoothie- Blend cooked sweet potatoes with almond milk, banana, cinnamon, and a spoonful of nut butter for a creamy and filling smoothie packed with nutrients.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Boiled sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and nutritious boost to a wide range of dishes, making them a versatile ingredient in your kitchen repertoire.