My Quick and Easy Method for Cooking Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave with Water
I absolutely love sweet potatoes. Their vibrant orange color, delightful sweetness, and amazing health benefits make them a staple in my kitchen. However, sometimes I find myself short on time and in desperate need of a quick and easy way to cook these delicious tubers. That’s when I discovered a game-changing method to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave with water. Not only does this method save me time, but it also ensures that the sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked and tender. In this article, I will guide you through the simple steps to create the most delectable microwave-cooked sweet potatoes.
Gathering the necessary ingredients
Before we embark on our sweet potato adventure, let’s gather the ingredients we’ll need for this quick and easy cooking method:
Preparing the sweet potatoes
1. Start by selecting firm and fresh sweet potatoes. Look for ones that are free from blemishes and have smooth skins.
2. Give your sweet potatoes a good wash to remove any dirt or debris. After washing, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
3. Now it’s time to pierce the sweet potatoes. Take a fork or a knife and make small punctures all around the potatoes to allow steam to escape during the cooking process. This step is crucial to prevent the sweet potatoes from exploding in the microwave.
Cooking the sweet potatoes in the microwave with water
1. Place the pierced sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, ensuring that they have plenty of space to cook evenly.
2. Pour water into the dish until it covers about one-third to one-half of the sweet potatoes. The water provides moisture, resulting in tender and evenly cooked sweet potatoes.
3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent to allow steam to escape.
4. Put the dish in the microwave and cook the sweet potatoes on high power. The cooking time will depend on the size and number of sweet potatoes you are cooking. As a general rule, start with five minutes for one sweet potato and add an additional two to three minutes for each additional potato.
5. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands from the heat.
6. Check the sweet potatoes for doneness by inserting a fork into the flesh. The fork should easily glide through, indicating that the sweet potatoes are fully cooked. If the sweet potatoes are still slightly firm, place them back in the microwave and cook for another minute or two.
Serving and enjoying your perfectly cooked sweet potatoes
1. Carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the microwave and let them cool for a few minutes. Be cautious as the steam trapped inside the dish can be very hot.
2. Once cool enough to handle, cut a slit down the middle of each sweet potato, being mindful not to burn yourself. Gently press the sides together to open up the sweet potatoes.
3. Add your favorite toppings to enhance the flavor profile of your sweet potatoes. Some delicious options include butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt.
4. Dig in and enjoy your perfectly cooked, tender, and delicious sweet potatoes!
Final notes
Cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave with water is a quick and easy method that saves time and ensures fantastic results. By following the steps mentioned above, you’ll have perfectly cooked sweet potatoes every time. Whether you’re cooking sweet potatoes for a side dish, incorporating them into a main course, or enjoying them as a healthy snack, this method guarantees a hassle-free and delicious experience. So go ahead, grab your sweet potatoes, gather your ingredients, and savor the flavors of these incredible tubers in no time. Happy cooking!