Imagine transforming ordinary sweet potatoes into incredibly tender, mouthwatering perfection in just minutes - without any guesswork! Pressure cooking is the secret weapon that will revolutionize how you prepare this nutritious and delicious vegetable. Whether you're a busy home cook, a meal prep enthusiast, or someone who wants restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, this foolproof method will become your new go-to technique for creating irresistibly soft and flavorful sweet potatoes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool running water, scrubbing gently with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt or debris.
- Trim off any bruised or damaged areas of the sweet potatoes, but leave the skin intact for added nutrition and flavor.
- If desired, pierce the sweet potatoes 2-3 times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pressure cooker or instant pot.
- Place the trivet or steamer basket inside the pressure cooker to elevate the sweet potatoes above the water.
- Arrange the sweet potatoes on the trivet in a single layer, ensuring they are not stacked on top of each other.
- Close the pressure cooker lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Select high pressure and set the cooking time based on sweet potato size: • Small sweet potatoes (4-5 oz): 10 minutes • Medium sweet potatoes (6-8 oz): 15 minutes • Large sweet potatoes (9-12 oz): 20 minutes
- Once the cooking cycle completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes.
- Carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure by turning the valve to venting.
- Open the lid and check potato doneness by inserting a fork - it should slide in easily.
- Remove sweet potatoes using tongs and place on a serving plate.
- Sprinkle with salt to taste and serve hot. Optional: add butter, herbs, or other desired toppings.
Tips
- Choose uniform-sized sweet potatoes to ensure even cooking
- Always use the trivet or steamer basket to prevent direct water contact
- Pierce potatoes lightly to prevent potential bursting during cooking
- Don't overcrowd the pressure cooker - cook in batches if necessary
- For extra flavor, try seasoning with herbs like rosemary or thyme before cooking
- Save cooking liquid for future soups or stocks - it's packed with nutrients
- If you prefer crispy skin, finish potatoes under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after pressure cooking
- Store leftover cooked sweet potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Consider using different potato sizes for varied meal preparations
- Experiment with different toppings like cinnamon, maple syrup, or pecans for added excitement
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 112kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
