Cooking Sweet Potatoes: Methods, Times and Tips for a Perfect Sweet Potato 🥔

Why cook sweet potatoes 🥗

Sweet potatoes are the star vegetable of healthy, colorful, ultra-gourmet , and economical cuisine. Their orange or purple flesh, soft and slightly sweet, lends itself to all sorts of uses: crispy fries , creamy mash, roasted cubes, gratins, bowls, childhood or festive recipes.

Nutritionally, it's a must: rich in fiber , beta-carotene , vitamins, and minerals. Ideal for blood sugar balance, digestion, and vitality. It cooks in the blink of an eye... you just have to choose the sweet potato cooking method that suits your tastes! Discover all the methods, storage tips, variations, and serving ideas so you never get tired of it.

Learn more: properties, origins & benefits of sweet potatoes (Louis Bonduelle Foundation).

Ingredients & switch portions

Base for 4 people (generous accompaniment) — adapt according to your needs:

Smart substitutions : coconut oil, cinnamon, cumin, rosemary, sweet chili, lime, maple syrup. French fries version: our air fryer recipe !

Smart Closet Mode

Calories & Nutrition

Cooking sweet potatoes: all the methods

1. Wash and prepare : scrub the sweet potato well under running water (organic: keep the skin on, otherwise peel). Cut into cubes, fries, slices or leave whole depending on cooking.
   
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2. Choose your cooking :
   • Oven : mix cubes/fries with oil, spices, salt, pepper, thyme. Spread on a baking tray, fan-assisted 200°C 25-30 min , turn halfway through cooking.
   • Steam : Place cubes/slices in the basket, cover, leave for 15-18 min until tender.
   • Water : immerse pieces in boiling salted water, 12-18 min (depending on size), drain.
   • Air fryer : coat with oil and spices, basket 180°C 15-18 min , shake halfway through cooking. ( our air fryer comparison )
   • Microwave : prick the skin, wrap in film, 6-8 min at maximum power (depending on size).
3. Check the cooking : insert the blade of a knife; the flesh should be tender, without resistance.
   
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4. Season & Enjoy : Serve hot, warm, or cold, depending on the recipe. Add olive oil, herbs, spices, a squeeze of lemon, or yogurt to taste.

Original variations & twists 🔥

Spicy fries : paprika, garlic, cumin, sweet chili. Express gratin : slices, vegetable cream, cheese. Mashed potatoes : whisk with milk, nutmeg, olive oil. Sweet and savory : add cinnamon, maple syrup, pecans. Bowl version : roasted cubes, avocado, chickpeas, feta, lime. Asian twist : ginger, soy sauce, fresh cilantro.
→ See all Neary recipes

Conservation & batch cooking

Cooked sweet potatoes can be kept for 3 to 4 days in a cool, airtight container. Practical for bowls, salads, soups, and toast. Freezing : can be mashed or cubed (up to 3 months). Tip: cook a large quantity in advance and reuse it in soups , patties, veggie burgers, stuffing, or in a food processor !

Service & pairing ideas

• Colorful bowl : roasted sweet potato, chickpeas, avocado, feta, toasted seeds.
• As an accompaniment to barbecue , fish or marinated tofu.
• Smooth puree: coconut milk, coriander, curry.
• In crispy fries ( air fryer recipe ).
• Warm salad: steamed sweet potato, lentils, red onion, mustard vinaigrette.
• In a comforting soup, mixed with carrots or pumpkin ( see our soup tips ).

Frequently Asked Questions

Foolproof cooking tips

• Wash the skin well (organic), cut into regular pieces for even cooking!
• In the oven: space each piece, fan-assisted heat, turn halfway through cooking for perfect browning.
• For extra crunch: add a little cornstarch to the fries before cooking.
• Add the spices before cooking: they will infuse and caramelize 😉
• For a fluffy puree: mix while still hot with a little milk or Greek yogurt.

Smart budget & sources

Sweet potatoes cost around €2/kg organic, often less in bulk ( see our section ). Ultra-profitable, can be kept for several weeks away from light. For more information: nutritional information . Accessories: blenders , air fryers and summer grills .