Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be prepared in a variety of ways. When you're short on time, a pressure cooker is an excellent tool for speeding up the cooking process while retaining the sweet potato's natural flavors and nutrients. If you’re wondering how long it takes to cook sweet potatoes in a pressure cooker on high, the answer depends on the size and the desired consistency, but it’s generally a quick process.
In this article, we’ll break down the steps and provide general guidelines to help you cook perfect sweet potatoes in a pressure cooker.
Why Use a Pressure Cooker?
A pressure cooker works by trapping steam inside a sealed pot, which increases the pressure and temperature inside, allowing food to cook much faster than conventional methods. This is particularly helpful when cooking denser root vegetables like sweet potatoes, which can take a long time to cook if boiled or baked. The high heat and steam in a pressure cooker allow sweet potatoes to become soft and tender in a fraction of the time it would take using other methods.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Sweet Potatoes in a Pressure Cooker on High?
The cooking time for sweet potatoes in a pressure cooker will vary based on their size and whether they are whole or cut into pieces. Here's a general guide:
Whole Sweet Potatoes (Medium to Large)
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes on high pressure
- If you are cooking large whole sweet potatoes, they will generally take about 15 minutes. Smaller or medium-sized sweet potatoes can be done in 12 minutes.
Sweet Potatoes (Cut into Cubes)
- Cooking time: 6-8 minutes on high pressure
- If you prefer to cut your sweet potatoes into cubes, they will cook much faster, taking around 6 to 8 minutes. This method is ideal for soups, stews, or mashed sweet potatoes.
Small Sweet Potatoes (Whole)
- Cooking time: 8-10 minutes on high pressure
- Smaller sweet potatoes or baby sweet potatoes will cook more quickly than larger ones, and typically require just 8-10 minutes under high pressure.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in a Pressure Cooker: Step-by-Step
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for cooking sweet potatoes in a pressure cooker on high:
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. If you prefer, you can peel them, but leaving the skin on helps retain nutrients.
- For whole sweet potatoes, you can leave them unpeeled and cook them as is.
- If cutting into cubes, chop them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Add Water to the Pressure Cooker:
- Add about 1 cup (240 ml) of water to the bottom of the pressure cooker. This creates steam, which is essential for cooking the sweet potatoes under pressure.
Place the Sweet Potatoes in the Pressure Cooker:
- If cooking whole sweet potatoes, you can place them directly into the pressure cooker.
- If you’re cooking cubed sweet potatoes, use the steamer basket or trivet, if available, to keep the potatoes elevated above the water.
Seal the Pressure Cooker:
- Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set the valve to the “sealing” position.
Cook on High Pressure:
- Set the pressure cooker to cook on high pressure for the recommended time (12-15 minutes for whole sweet potatoes, 6-8 minutes for cubed).
- The cooker will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking timer starts.
Release the Pressure:
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure. You can do this by turning the valve to the “venting” position for a quick release, or you can let it naturally release pressure for a few minutes (this will result in slightly softer sweet potatoes).
Check the Sweet Potatoes:
- After releasing the pressure, open the lid and check the sweet potatoes for doneness. A fork or knife should easily pierce through the flesh of the sweet potatoes. If they’re not tender enough, you can close the lid and cook them for a few more minutes.
Serve:
- Once the sweet potatoes are tender, they are ready to be served. You can mash them, slice them, or use them in any recipe of your choice.
Tips for Cooking Sweet Potatoes in a Pressure Cooker
- Size Matters: The size of the sweet potato affects the cooking time. Larger sweet potatoes will take longer to cook, while smaller ones will cook more quickly.
- Natural Release: If you want a creamier texture, allow for a few minutes of natural pressure release. This can help the sweet potatoes soften further.
- Even Cooking: Cutting the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly, especially when cubing them.
- Add Flavors: For added flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a splash of maple syrup, to the water or directly on the sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
Cooking sweet potatoes in a pressure cooker is a quick and efficient method that results in tender, flavorful potatoes in just a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods. Whether you’re cooking them whole or in pieces, the cooking time generally ranges from 6 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and preparation. With these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked sweet potatoes in no time!
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