how to make white sweet potatoes

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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16-01-2025

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White sweet potatoes, also known as white yams, offer a subtly sweet and delicate flavor that's different from their orange cousins. They're incredibly versatile, perfect for roasting, mashing, or even frying. This guide will walk you through several delicious ways to prepare this often-underappreciated root vegetable.

Choosing and Preparing White Sweet Potatoes

Before you start cooking, selecting the right white sweet potatoes is crucial. Look for firm, smooth potatoes without bruises or soft spots. Avoid any with sprouts or signs of decay.

Once you've chosen your potatoes, preparation is straightforward:

• Washing: Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water, scrubbing away any dirt.
• Peeling (Optional): Peeling is a matter of preference. The skin is edible and adds nutrients and fiber. If you prefer to peel, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin.
• Cutting: Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces, depending on your chosen cooking method. For roasting, 1-inch cubes are ideal. For mashing, you can cut them into larger chunks.

Delicious Ways to Cook White Sweet Potatoes

Here are several methods for cooking white sweet potatoes, each highlighting their unique qualities:

1. Roasting White Sweet Potatoes for Maximum Flavor

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of white sweet potatoes. The high heat caramelizes the edges, creating a delightful texture and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 lbs white sweet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings.
3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.

2. Creamy Mashed White Sweet Potatoes

Mashed white sweet potatoes create a lighter, fluffier alternative to mashed russet potatoes. Their subtle sweetness pairs well with savory dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 lbs white sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup milk or cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the sweet potato chunks until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Mash the potatoes until smooth. If desired, stir in milk/cream and butter.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Simple Steamed White Sweet Potatoes

Steaming is a healthy and easy way to cook white sweet potatoes, preserving their nutrients and natural flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 lbs white sweet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled, cut into chunks

Instructions:

1. Fill a steamer basket with water and bring to a boil.
2. Add the sweet potato chunks to the steamer basket.
3. Steam for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.

4. White Sweet Potato Fries (Baked or Air-Fried)

For a healthier twist on classic fries, bake or air-fry your white sweet potatoes. They offer a slightly sweeter and less starchy alternative to regular potato fries.

Ingredients:

• 2 large white sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fry shapes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 400°F.
2. Toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, and seasonings.
3. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy.

Serving Suggestions for White Sweet Potatoes

White sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into many dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Side dish: Serve roasted or mashed white sweet potatoes as a delicious side to your favorite protein and vegetable dishes.
• Soup: Add cubed or mashed sweet potatoes to soups and stews for added sweetness and creaminess.
• Breakfast: Use mashed sweet potatoes as a base for breakfast bowls or fritters.
• Dessert: Add them to pies or cakes for a subtly sweet and moist texture.

No matter how you choose to cook them, white sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to discover your favorite way to enjoy this versatile root vegetable.