There are a few easy methods to remove the skin from sweet potatoes before cooking them. The best method depends on if you want to keep the potatoes whole or cut them up.
Boiling Whole Sweet Potatoes
One of the easiest ways to remove the skin from whole sweet potatoes is by boiling them:
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt.
- Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. The water should cover the potatoes by about 1 inch.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender but not falling apart.
- Drain the potatoes and let cool until easy to handle. The skins should peel off easily by hand.
Boiling causes the skins to loosen and separate from the flesh of the potato, making them slide off without the need for a peeler. This method works great if you want to keep the potatoes whole for roasting, mashing, etc.
Peeling Raw Sweet Potatoes
For peeled and cut sweet potatoes, you’ll need to remove the skin with a vegetable peeler or paring knife. Here are some tips:
- Wash potatoes and use a vegetable brush to remove any dirt clinging to the skin.
- Use a sharp paring knife or Y-shaped peeler. Peel from top to bottom in strips around the potato.
- Trim away any remaining brown bits or skin that cling to the surface.
- Soak potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes after peeling to prevent browning.
Peeling raw sweet potatoes takes more effort but gives you nicely peeled pieces for cooking. Just take care to remove all of the tough skin.
Baking Sweet Potatoes
Baking whole sweet potatoes in the oven will also loosen up the skins:
- Scrub the potatoes under water and prick several times with a fork.
- Place directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until very soft when squeezed.
- Remove potatoes from oven and let sit until cool enough to handle.
- Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and the skin should peel off easily.
The dry heat of the oven transforms and loosens the skin, similar to boiling. Letting the potatoes rest after baking allows them to cool and the skin to detach.
Microwaving Sweet Potatoes
Here is a quick microwave method:
- Wash the sweet potatoes and poke several times with a fork.
- Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, until soft.
- Carefully remove the potatoes, they will be very hot.
- Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and peel off both halves of skin.
The microwave cooks the potatoes quickly, so the skins separate and lift off easily when cut. Just be sure to use potholders when handling the hot potatoes.
Comparison of Skin Removal Methods
| Method | Prep Needed | Cook Time | Ease of Peeling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling | Scrub potatoes | 15-20 minutes | Skins slip off easily |
| Baking | Poke with fork | 45-60 minutes | Skins peel after baking |
| Microwaving | Poke with fork | 5-7 minutes | Skins peel after cooking |
| Peeling Raw | Scrub well | N/A | Requires peeler or knife |
Tips for Easy Peeling
Here are some additional tips for getting those skins off easily:
- Choose smooth, firm sweet potatoes without wrinkles or bruises which can make peeling harder.
- Cook sweet potatoes whole and peel afterward rather than peeling first.
- Let boiled or baked potatoes cool completely before attempting to peel.
- Use a paring knife or vegetable peeler that is sharp.
- Start peeling from the stem end if boiling or baking.
- Peel washed and raw potatoes before cooking if you need uniform shaped pieces.
What to Do with the Peels
Don’t throw those sweet potato peels away! Here are some uses for the nutrient-rich skins:
- Make tea: Simmer peels in water then strain for antioxidant-rich tea.
- Bake into crunchy snacks: Toss peeled skins with oil, salt, and spices and bake until crisped.
- Add to broth: Simmer peels in veggie or chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Include in smoothies: Blend peeled skins into smoothies for added fiber and vitamins.
- Make vegan bacon: Marinate peeled skins in smoked paprika, maple syrup, and coconut oil then bake.
Conclusion
Getting the skins off sweet potatoes is easiest when the potatoes are cooked by boiling, baking, or microwaving. This loosens the peels so they slip off with minimal effort. Raw potatoes will need some elbow grease and a good peeler or knife. Choose smooth, firm potatoes and peel after cooking for best results. And don’t throw those nutrient-packed peels away – get creative in using them up!