How to Cook Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in a variety of ways and there are many recipes for serving them. You can learn the basics of how to cook sweet potatoes by reading this guide. The orange colored food can be boiled, broiled, baked, fried, mashed or prepared in a casserole. They can be stored only for about two weeks, so be sure to use them in your recipes promptly.

The terms sweet potatoes and yams are generally used interchangeably in the United States today, but "yam" was originally used to distinguish orange flesh sweet potatoes from the older white flesh types. The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that on the vegetable's labeling, the term "yam" always be accompanied by the term "sweet potato." These sweet potato yams are quite distinct from the actual yam, a vegetable native to parts of Asia and Africa.http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/vegetables/sweetpotato.html

Sweet potatoes can be a nutritious food. A 3.5 ounce serving of a baked sweet potato contains more than 8,800 IU of vitamin A (double the recommended daily allowance), with only 141 calories. The food is also a good source for vitamin C, calcium, iron and thiamine. It is a complex carbohydrate, low in sodium, containing beta carotene and fiber.http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/vegetables/sweetpotato.html

Sweet potatoes can be prepared and served in a large variety of ways. Candied sweet potatoes, traditionally served with Thanksgiving dinner, are prepared with brown sugar, marshmallows, molasses, maple syrup or other sweetening ingredients. Sweet potato pie is a popular dessert, particular in the southern United States. Sweet potato fries or sweet potato chips are prepared in a manner similar to that of french fries. Sweet potato butter can be used as a spread for breads or crackers.http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/vegetables/sweetpotato.html

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Wash the potatoes carefully, and prick the skin with a fork several times.
3. Place the sweet potatoes on a cookie sheet, as they occasionally ooze during baking.
4. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for about one hour.
5. Serve plain, or garnished with butter and brown sugar.

1. Wash the potatoes and put them in boiling water.
2. Boil for about 30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Drain, peel, and cut into quarters.
4. Serve plain, or topped with butter, salt, and pepper.

1. Wash the potatoes and boil for 10 minutes.
2. Drain, peel, and slice into 1/8 inch slices.
3. Heat 1- 2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet to 375 degrees F.
4. Place the potato slices in the hot oil, making sure that they are not crowded, and all slices are completely covered with oil.
5. Fry until lightly browned, then remove and drain on paper towels.
6. If you're working in batches, keep the drained slices warm on a cookie sheet in the oven until all slices are cooked.

1. Take 2 pounds of sweet potatoes, that have been washed and peeled, and cut them into strips.
2. Drip olive oil over the fries, then sprinkle on a dash of seasoning salt, or salt and pepper.
3. Turn the fries over and repeat on the opposite side, until both sides have an even coat of oil and seasoning.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through cooking, at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.http://www.oprah.com/food/Oven-Baked-Sweet-Potato-Frieshttp://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/baked-sweet-potato-fries-recipe/index.html