This is a basic and easy method for cooking sweet potatoes in a slow cooker. Slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness and makes them incredibly tender. They can be used in various dishes or simply enjoyed as a healthy side.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled, and cut into chunks or left whole (smaller potatoes cook faster if left whole)
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Optional seasonings: Salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, maple syrup
Instructions:
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can either peel them or leave the skins on (the skins are nutritious and edible). Cut the sweet potatoes into roughly equal-sized chunks (about 2-3 inches) for even cooking, or leave smaller potatoes whole. As you noted, the image shows them peeled and sliced into thicker fry shapes, which is also a viable option.
- Place in Slow Cooker: Place the prepared sweet potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Add Oil/Butter and Seasonings (Optional): If desired, drizzle the sweet potatoes with olive oil or dot with butter. Sprinkle with any seasonings you like. For a sweeter result, consider a touch of brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, or nutmeg. For a savory option, use salt and pepper.
- Add Liquid (Optional, but Recommended for Even Cooking): Add about 1/4 cup of water or vegetable broth to the bottom of the slow cooker. This helps to create steam and ensures even cooking, preventing the bottom from scorching.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-8 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the sweet potato pieces and your slow cooker. The sweet potatoes are done when they are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Once cooked, the sweet potatoes can be mashed, sliced, or simply eaten as is. They are a versatile base for many meals.
Tips and Notes:
- Cooking Whole: If cooking whole sweet potatoes, pierce them several times with a fork before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overfilling the slow cooker for the most even cooking.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar or maple syrup.
- Savory Options: For a savory dish, consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Storage: Leftover cooked sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Enjoy your easy slow cooker sweet potatoes!