When I was growing up, I remember my dad telling me to eat the skins of my potatoes. Thankfully, I like the skins and always eat them. Some people do not care for the skin, and that is okay. I do make sure that each is washed and scrubbed well to remove any dirt. You don’t want to eat a gritty sweet potato!
My family thinks I am strange because I eat my sweet potatoes without anything on them. Nothing. They all prefer butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar on their sweet potatoes. They are excellent that way and it will satisfy your sweet craving!
Sweet potatoes are an excellent side to complement many dishes and are quick to prepare. I love to make extra sweet potatoes – or make them just to put in the fridge – and make mashed sweet potatoes.
If you have never had a sweet potato prepared this way, you must – it is fantastic!
Ingredients
1 Medium Sweet Potato – not peeled but washed and scrubbed
Optional
Butter
Salt
Pepper
*See Notes for Topping Ideas
Directions
Wash and dry the sweet potato. Don’t peel it.
Carefully, pierce the skin of the sweet potato in a few places with a fork – don’t stab yourself with the fork. This is an important step – it will explode if you do not pierce the skin.
Place the potato on a paper towel and microwave it on high for 3 minutes.
Turn it to the other side and microwave for 2 more minutes, or until fork tender. Larger sweet potatoes will take longer.
When the skin is easily pierced with a fork, or when squeezed gently it is tender, then it is finished cooking. Be careful not to burn yourself when checking for doneness.
Allow the potato to rest for 2 minutes before serving.
I prefer sweet potatoes without anything added – I don’t even sprinkle it with salt. Check below for some ideas!
Notes
• You do not need to peel the sweet potato. You can simply wash it well, then microwave it with the skin on. Sweet potato skin is edible, so it’s up to you if you want to remove it before eating or not. I like to leave it on.
• Various Options for Topping: Cut a slice lengthwise about ¾ of the way into the sweet potato. Carefully push on each side of the slice to open the sweet potato before adding toppings.
Simple Seasoning – Add a little butter, salt, and pepper.
Sweet Cinnamon – Add a little butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a bit of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
Savory Spice – Drizzle a little olive oil, sprinkle a little salt and pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika.
Parmesan – Drizzle a little olive oil or add a little butter, and sprinkle with finely grated parmesan.
• Storing Leftover Sweet Potatoes: In a sealed container, sweet potatoes will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave for 2-3 minutes.