When it comes to cooking with sweet potatoes, there are several areas where people often have questions or make mistakes. They sometimes get confused between yams and sweet potatoes, or are unsure of how to properly prepare and cook sweet potatoes. Some people often peel them before cooking which may not be necessary or even recommended in some dishes. Another common mistake is not season them adequately thus missing out on enhancing their unique flavor. Understanding the different cooking methods can also help to bring out the best in sweet potatoes, whether it’s boiling, baking, roasting, frying or grilling.
The versatility of sweet potatoes is often underrated. They can be included in almost any course, from a hearty meal to desserts to even drinks. One lesser known tip for cooking sweet potatoes is to roast them to caramelise their natural sugars. This not only deepens their flavour but also their sweetness, without the need for additional sugar. Also, texture plays a key role in sweet potato dishes - depending on the method of cooking, you can achieve anything from a crunchy exterior with a soft inside, to a creamy, mashed consistency.
Do I need to peel sweet potatoes before cooking?
Are sweet potatoes and yams the same?
Can sweet potatoes be eaten raw?
How long should I boil sweet potatoes?
Do I need to add sugar to sweet potatoes?
Are all sweet potatoes orange inside?
Is it better to roast or boil sweet potatoes?
Which herbs and spices go well with sweet potatoes?
Can sweet potatoes be included in a dessert?
Should I soak sweet potatoes before baking or roasting?