Purple sweet potatoes are a superfood with numerous nutritional benefits. They are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Unlike traditional sweet potatoes, purple sweet potatoes have a beautiful purple color due to the presence of anthocyanins, which has powerful antioxidant properties.
While there are many ways to cook purple sweet potatoes, microwaving them is an excellent option. Not only does microwaving make cooking fast and easy, but it also retains the potato’s nutritional value. In this article, we will walk you through how to microwave purple sweet potatoes for optimal results.
Selecting and Preparing Your Potatoes
Choosing ripe and high-quality potatoes is essential for perfecting the art of microwaving purple sweet potatoes. It is advisable to select a uniformly shaped potato with no bruising or blemishes on its surface. Here’s how to prepare your potatoes:
Choosing the right potatoes and identifying bad ones
Before removing any form of packaging from the potato bag or basket at home, inspect each potato closely. The factors you should consider while selecting your potatoes include their size, color, firmness, etc.
Suppose any of the pears present signs of spoiling or damage like discoloration; those won’t be ideal for consuming and must put aside separately.
Preparing your Potatoes for Microwaving
Once you’ve selected suitable purple sweet potatoes, it’s time to prep them for cooking using these steps:
Scrubbing, Peeling and Slicing Your Potatoes
- Begin by scrubbing your potatoes vigorously under running water using a food brush.
- Once they’re clean enough remove any rootlets that may be attached to the skin then peel off the skin.
- Using a knife or slicer thinly slice each one into four equal portions—this ensures even cooking throughout.
How Many Potatoes Should You Cook at Once?
Depending on the size of your microwave oven and the number of purple sweet potatoes, you want to cook, avoiding overloading the appliance.
We recommend not more than two medium-sized potatoes or one large potato at once.
Microwaving Your Purple Sweet Potatoes
Now that you’ve prepped your purple sweet potatoes let’s dive into how to microwave them to perfection.
Setting up Your Microwave
Before starting any cooking exercise, ensure that your microwave is clean and functions properly.
Cooking Duration and Temperature
The cooking duration for purple sweet potatoes varies depending on their size but usually between 6-10 minutes. The appropriate wattage setting for microwaving can depend on the amount of food being cooked:
- For microwaving a single potato at 1200 watts should take about five minutes
- Two potatoes together at the same temperature may need up to eight minutes.
It’s essential to pierce a few holes in the potato skin before putting them in the microwave. Poking potato skins with toothpicks allows steam buildup while baking and prevents bursting by releasing some air build-up within them.
Tips for Getting The Best Results when Cooking Purple Sweet Potatoes In Microwave
As simple as it sounds, knowing common tricks like how long microwaving sweet potatoes takes, boosts confidence in making sophisticated meals and garnishing them great. Some tips include:
Using High-Quality Plastic Wrap to Cover the Dish.
Wrap each dish containing individual portions with high-quality plastic wrap without leaving any area exposed. Ensure it is safe and BPA-free as there are no harmful effects on food.
Poking Holes into The Potato Skin Before Microwaving Them
Before microwaving your purple sweet potatoes, pierce small holes around each one using a fork or toothpick this helps prevent them from exploding in the micro-wave due to excess heat build-up.
Flipping The Potato Halfway Through the Cooking Duration
Once halfway through the cooking process, flip each potato slice allowing the other side to cook.
Storing Leftover Microwaved Sweet Potatoes
In case you end up with leftover purple sweet potatoes it’s helpful to store them properly. You can refrigerate cooked potatoes in airtight containers or BPA-free plastic wraps. Also, do not forget to cool them down before storing.
Suppose you prefer to keep them stored long-term then wrap the purple sweet potato slices around each one with aluminum foil first and then wrap around with plastic that’s air-sealed well for further preservation.
Reheating Leftover Microwaved Purple Sweet Potato
Reheating leftover cooked potatoes is easy if you have the appropriate container or reheating equipment. It is advisable not to reheat using a microwave oven as it causes dryness instead uses an oven or stovetop pan as follows:
- Preheat your oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Before placing the already cooked slices on the baking pan/oven tray, brush both sides of the potatoes with olive oil seasoning lightly salt on all sides.
- Arrange your slices on the baking/oven tray and ensure they’re evenly spread apart.
- Put in your preheated oven and let bake three-five minutes.
Conclusion
Microwaving purple sweet potatoes are easy and safe when done correctly following these essential guidelines discussed above, especially for anyone who wants delicious, nutritious meals while running low on time!
It’s helpful to note that while microwaving has proven a faster way to cook, it may sometimes pose some health complications if not done appropriately- so follow these steps to avoid such instances!.
With this information at hand, we hope you experience nothing but perfect outcomes when making your next microwaved purple sweet potato meal!.
Q&A
Can I microwave a whole purple sweet potato at once?
Yes, you can! But make sure to poke several holes on it with a fork before placing it in the microwave. This will prevent it from exploding and making a mess.
How long should I microwave a medium-sized purple sweet potato?
Microwave a medium-sized purple sweet potato for about 5-7 minutes on high power setting. Check if it’s cooked through by piercing it with a fork. If it’s still hard, return it to the microwave for another minute or two.
Is it necessary to wrap the purple sweet potato in plastic wrap before microwaving?
It’s not necessary but recommended as this helps lock in the steam and moisture, resulting in a fluffier texture. You can also use a damp paper towel instead of plastic wrap.
Can I add any seasonings or oils while microwaving my purple sweet potato?
Absolutely! You can sprinkle some cinnamon, nutmeg, or brown sugar for a sweeter flavor or try adding some garlic powder and salt for savory potatoes. Adding oil is optional as purple sweet potatoes already contain natural oils that help cook them evenly and thoroughly.
