I love sweet potatoes. They are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, they are a fantastic addition to any meal. One of the best ways to cook sweet potatoes is by microwaving them. It’s quick, easy, and ensures that the sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked every time. In this article, I will share with you my tried and tested method of microwaving sweet potatoes to perfection.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potato
1. Go for Medium-Sized Sweet Potatoes
When selecting sweet potatoes for microwaving, it’s essential to choose medium-sized ones. They cook more evenly and faster than larger sweet potatoes. Select sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free from any blemishes or soft spots.
2. Wash and Scrub
Before microwaving, it’s crucial to wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Remove any dirt or debris from the skin, as it can affect the taste and texture of the cooked sweet potatoes. Use a vegetable brush or your hands for scrubbing, ensuring that every nook and cranny is cleaned.
Prepping the Sweet Potatoes for Microwaving
1. Poking Holes
To prevent the sweet potatoes from exploding while microwaving, it’s important to poke holes in them. Take a fork and prick the sweet potatoes all over, penetrating the skin. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing any potential mishaps.
2. Seasoning
Though sweet potatoes have a naturally sweet flavor, adding a pinch of salt or spices like cinnamon or paprika can enhance their taste. Sprinkle your desired seasonings on the sweet potatoes before microwaving to infuse them with extra flavor.
Microwaving the Sweet Potatoes
1. Placing the Sweet Potatoes
Take a microwave-safe plate or dish and arrange the sweet potatoes on it. Make sure there is enough space between each sweet potato for even cooking. If you’re microwaving multiple sweet potatoes, don’t overcrowd the plate; instead, cook them in batches.
2. Cooking Time
The cooking time for microwaving sweet potatoes depends on their size. As a general guideline, microwave medium-sized sweet potatoes for approximately 5-8 minutes. Start with 5 minutes and check their doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part. If they’re still firm, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until they are tender.
3. Flipping and Rotating
To ensure even cooking, it’s essential to flip and rotate the sweet potatoes midway through the cooking process. Carefully turn them over using oven mitts or a fork, and if you’ve microwaved multiple sweet potatoes, switch their positions as well. This helps to avoid any hot spots in the microwave and ensures that all sweet potatoes are evenly cooked.
Checking for Doneness
1. Fork Test
The most reliable way to check if your microwaved sweet potatoes are done is by using the fork test. Insert a fork or knife into the thickest part of the sweet potato. If it slides in easily without any resistance, the sweet potato is cooked perfectly. However, if there is still some resistance or the center feels hard, it needs more microwaving.
2. Squeezing
Another method to check if the sweet potatoes are cooked is by gently squeezing them. Cooked sweet potatoes will be soft and yield to slight pressure.
Serving the Microwaved Sweet Potatoes
Once your sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are a few serving suggestions:
1. Simple and Classic
For a simple and classic serving, cut open the cooked sweet potato lengthwise and fluff up the flesh with a fork. Top it with a pat of butter, sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper, and you have a delicious and wholesome side dish.
2. Sweet and Savory
Experiment with sweet and savory toppings like maple syrup, honey, cinnamon, or a sprinkle of brown sugar. This combination elevates the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and makes them even more mouthwatering.
3. Loaded Sweet Potatoes
If you’re looking for a heartier meal, load your microwaved sweet potatoes with toppings like cheese, cooked bacon, sour cream, or chopped green onions. This transforms them into a satisfying and filling main course.
Microwaving sweet potatoes is undoubtedly the quickest and easiest way to enjoy their natural sweetness and health benefits. With this simple method, you can achieve perfectly cooked sweet potatoes every time. Whether you prefer them as a side dish or a standalone meal, microwaved sweet potatoes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and provide you with a nutritious boost.