Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes deliver creamy, sweet goodness in no time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, these tender delights are both satisfying and nutritious. Make them tonight for a delicious side or main!
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium sweet potatoes (or jewel yams)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Begin by washing the sweet potatoes well under running water. Scrub them thoroughly to remove any dirt, as we want them clean before cooking. Next, using a fork, prick each potato about four times. This step is crucial as it allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting.
- Now, place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of water. This water is necessary for creating the steam that will cook the potatoes.
- Add the sweet potatoes to the pot, placing them on top of the trivet. It’s okay to stack the potatoes if needed, just make sure they are not too tightly packed.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring that the valve is set to 'seal'. This is important for maintaining the pressure inside the pot.
- Select the manual/high pressure button. Depending on the size of your sweet potatoes, you need to adjust the cooking time accordingly: small potatoes require about 15 minutes, medium ones about 25 minutes, and large ones can take up to 50 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. After that, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to 'vent'.
- If your sweet potatoes are still not soft enough, simply place the lid back on the Instant Pot and add an additional 5 to 10 minutes of cooking time. This way, you can ensure they reach your desired tenderness.
- Once done, remove the sweet potatoes and let them cool for a moment before peeling or serving them to your liking. I love to cook my sweet potatoes ahead of time to use throughout the week or as a base for delicious sweet potato casserole.
- Enjoy your Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes as a side dish or incorporate them into your meals throughout the week!
Notes
- Cooking Time Variation: Keep in mind that the cooking time can vary based on the size and type of sweet potatoes. Always test for doneness before serving.
- Natural Release: Allowing the pressure to naturally release helps the sweet potatoes continue cooking gently, ensuring they stay tender.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
- Using Different Varieties: You can try using different varieties of sweet potatoes or even mix them for a colorful presentation.