How to Cook White Sweet Potatoes: A Complete Guide

An Introduction to White Sweet Potatoes

White sweet potatoes, also sometimes called Japanese sweet potatoes, are a delicious and nutritious variety of root vegetable. Compared to the more common orange sweet potato, white sweet potatoes are drier, crumblier, and less sweet. Their starchier composition makes them perfect for frying, baking, roasting, mashing, and using in various dishes.

But before you can enjoy white sweet potatoes in any recipes, you first need to know how to select and prepare them properly. Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about buying, storing, and cooking white sweet potatoes.

Selecting High Quality White Sweet Potatoes

When shopping for white sweet potatoes, look for tubers that are firm, smooth, and free of bruises, cracks, or mushy spots. Size can vary, but try to select potatoes that are similar in size to each other so they will cook evenly. The skin color can range from tan to light pink, often with some purple tones around the ends—all are fine. Avoid any sweet potatoes that are shriveled or sprouting.

Storing White Sweet Potatoes Properly

Fresh sweet potatoes will keep for 1-2 weeks if stored in a cool, dark place. The ideal storage temperature is around 55°F. Avoid refrigerating raw sweet potatoes, as the cold temperature can negatively impact their taste and texture.

If you won’t be able to use them up quickly, white sweet potatoes can be put in the freezer. Cook them first before freezing. Simply peel, chop into 1-2 inch chunks, steam or boil until barely tender, then drain, cool and pack into freezer bags. They will keep for about a year.

Methods for Cooking White Sweet Potatoes

Boiling

Boiling is a simple way to prepare sweet potatoes that works especially well if you want to use them in another dish later. Here's how:

1. Scrub potatoes under running water and pat dry. Trim away any bruises or soft spots.
2. Chop potatoes into 1-2 inch chunks or leave small potatoes whole. Place in a pot and cover with cool salted water by 1-2 inches.
3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Then reduce heat, cover and simmer gently for 15-25 minutes, until potatoes are tender when poked with a fork.
4. Drain the potatoes well and set aside to cool slightly. Use as needed in recipes.

Steaming

Steaming is another healthy cooking method that preserves nutrients. Follow this easy process:

1. Scrub potatoes clean. Chop into 1 inch pieces or halve/quarter the potatoes if small.
2. In a steamer basket set over a pot of simmering water, arrange potatoes pieces in a single layer, not overlapping.
3. Cover steamer basket and steam for 15-20 minutes until fork tender. Check water level occasionally and replenish to prevent drying out.
4. Transfer potatoes to serving dish or use in a recipe as needed.

Roasting

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes beautifully. It's easy to do:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
2. Peel potatoes if desired and cut into 1-inch cubes or wedges. Toss on pan with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and fork tender.
4. Enjoy the roasted sweet potatoes as is, sprinkled with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.

Frying

Frying sweet potato wedges makes a delicious, crispy snack or side dish:

1. Cut peeled potatoes into wedges or 1/2 inch thick sticks.
2. Heat 1-2 inches vegetable oil to 350°F in saucepan or deep fryer.
3. Fry wedges/sticks for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and serve hot.

Mashing

Mashed sweet potatoes make for a tasty, healthier alternative to mashed russets. Follow these steps:

1. Peel and chop sweet potatoes before boiling or steaming until very tender, about 20 minutes.
2. Drain potatoes and return to hot pot to dry out for 1 minute.
3. Mash potatoes well with a masher. Stir in a small amount of butter, milk and desired seasonings.
4. Continue mashing and stirring until smooth and creamy. Add more butter and milk to reach ideal texture.
5. Enjoy your mashed sweet potatoes on their own or as a perfect pairing with roasted turkey or pork.

Baking Sweet Potatoes Whole

Baking whole sweet potatoes intact and unpeeled preserves the most nutrients:

1. Scrub potatoes clean and prick several times with a fork.
2. Bake at 400°F for 45-60 minutes, depending on size, until easily pierced through to the center with a knife.
3. Enjoy split open and topped with butter, cinnamon sugar, maple syrup or other favorite fixings.

Tips for Mastering White Sweet Potatoes

Here are some top tips to help ensure sweet potato success every time:

• Choose firm, smooth sweet potatoes without wrinkles, bruises or sprouts.
• Store in cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks. Do not refrigerate raw.
• Boil, steam or roast until tender - frying and baking require less time.
• Use leftover mashed potatoes within 1-2 days and only reheat once.
• Add sweetness with brown sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup or cranberries.
• Season with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, orange or lime zest.
• Pair sweet potatoes with marshmallows, walnuts, pecans, black beans or feta cheese.
• Substitute boiled and mashed sweet potatoes for pumpkin in pies!

Delicious Sweet Potato Recipes to Try

Now that you know all the techniques for preparing sweet potatoes, give some of these tasty recipes a try:

Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

Crispy on the outside, tender and caramelized on the inside. A simple but delicious recipe!

Sweet Potato Fries

A healthier spin on classic french fries - kids will love these irresistible sweet potato fries!

Vegetarian Sweet Potato Curry

Coconut milk and spices like cumin and turmeric flavor this nourishing veggie-loaded curry.

Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Potato Bake

With brown sugar, pecans, coconut and spice, this unique casserole makes the perfect holiday side.

Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

Smoky chipotle chili flavor kicks up these tasty, protein-packed lunch or dinner bowls.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Salad

A nutrient powerhouse combining roasted sweet potatoes, protein-rich quinoa and black beans.

The possibilities are endless when cooking with sweet and versatile white sweet potatoes! Follow this guide and try out some scrumptious recipes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.