How to Steam Sweet Potato Slices

Although more than 1,000 cultivars of sweet potatoes exist, most varietals have yellow, orange, or in some cases, purple flesh.

Most applications for steamed sweet potatoes involve using them as a component of other recipes. For instance, in addition to side dishes, steamed sweet potatoes are commonly pureed for use in soups, whipped and used as a stuffing for pies or dried in a low heat oven and incorporated as part of a sweet-savory gnocchi dough. Use steamed sweet potato slices within three days of cooking for ideal results.

Things You'll Need

• Pot with steamer insert
• Water
• Colander

Instructions

1. Cut the sweet potatoes into slices no less than 1/4-inch thick. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes quickly overcook and result in a pasty consistency.

2. Fill a pot with 1 1/2 inches of water, insert a steamer insert and bring to a boil.

3. Place the sweet potato slices in the steamer basket, cover and steam for 20 minutes or until they reach the desired consistency. Remove them from the water and drain in a colander.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not freeze steamed sweet potatoes, which causes ice crystals to form and break down the starch.

References

• "The Professional Chef 8th Edition"; The Culinary Institute of America; 2006
• North Carolina Sweet Potatoes: How to Prepare Sweet Potatoes