We all love the versatility of sweet potatoes, and we appreciate how much of a go-to option it is. It pairs with many other foods, ranging from meat to fish, seafood, eggs, and veggies. Plus, it also works ideally as a snack, a main course, or an addition to a gourmet recipe. And since sweet potatoes are easy to prepare, we find ourselves opting for them almost all the time.
But most sweet potato recipes require you to boil or steam the tubers for a long time. And even when you roast it in the oven, it may take about 50 minutes to an hour before it’s entirely done. So, you may have wondered if there’s a faster way to prepare sweet potatoes. Well, the answer to that question is yes, and we will touch on this recipe, along with a few other helpful tips.
Sweet Potatoes Nutrition Facts
Cooking Tips for Fast Sweet Potatoes
Of all the various methods of preparing sweet potatoes, roasting them is by far the fastest. But even conventional recipes take about an hour and may not be convenient in case of emergency. So, to ensure the sweet potatoes cook at a faster rate, try these ideas.
Slice Potatoes
Most roasted sweet potatoes are cooked in the oven, and the recipe usually requires using a whole tuber. Plus, it would be best to poke a few holes in the potatoes, so the internal pressure doesn’t cause them to explode. Yet, the recipe still needs a longer time to cook perfectly. Well, one way to beat this ample time is to cut the potatoes.
When sliced in half, the sweet potatoes have more surface area exposed to roasting. Plus, the open side releases more steam and allows it to cook faster. A potato sliced in half before cooking will be done in about half the time. This suggestion means that you can make the same batch of potatoes in about 35 minutes.
If you want the potatoes to cook quicker, you can cut them in thin circular slices a bit below ¼ inch thick. These slices are then cooked covered in an oiled skillet. This method is one of the most convenient ways to cook sweet potatoes, as you can do it on a stovetop. And, it’s the fastest, as the sweet potatoes will be done in about eight minutes!
Get the Heating Right
Another way to make sure your sweet potatoes cook quickly is to get the heating right. If you’re using an oven, a temperature of 400F is ideal and will give you perfectly cooked potatoes in under 40 minutes. Of course, this suggestion works best when the potatoes are first halved before tossing in the oven. And if you prefer the thin slices, cook the potatoes in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Oil for Moisture
If you prepare sweet potatoes without oil, you’ll end up with a browner, drier result. Either coat the potatoes with oil or heat the oil in the skillet first before adding the slices. The oil adds moisture for quicker cooking and allows for a crunchy, caramelized surface. And when using oil, make sure it has a high heating point, like avocado oil.
Now with this information in mind, why not try out this impressive sliced stovetop potatoes recipe;
INGREDIENTS
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes Fast
Fast Sweet Potatoes (2 Servings)
Ingredients
- One large sweet potato
- Two teaspoons avocado oil
Instructions
- Cut the potatoes in slices below ¼ inch thick, making sure the portions are even. Next, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium when the pan is hot, and add the oil. Let the oil coat the pan evenly.
- Put the sweet potatoes into the oiled pan, allowing space between the slices. Cover the pan and let the potatoes cook for about 3-4 minutes. Open the pan, flip the pieces, cover, and let it cook for another 3 minutes. They should be done when the cooked sides are fork-tender and golden brown.
- Set the pan down, and serve the potatoes as you wish. You can eat the recipe as a snack or offer it as a main dish paired with meat, fish, or eggs. You can also provide it as a side dish and garnish it to your preference.
Another quick way to cook potatoes can be found in this video recipe.