Mashed Sweet Potatoes
SERVES: 4
PRESSURE LEVEL: HIGH
RELEASE: QUICK
TOTAL TIME: ABOUT 25 MINUTES
TIME UNDER PRESSURE: 15 MINUTES
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS Mashed sweet potatoes are as much at home on the family dinner table alongside pork chops as they are on the celebratory Thanksgiving spread. We wanted a simple, slightly rich side with deep, earthy sweetness. For even cooking, we cut the potatoes into even slices and cooked them under pressure along with a cup of water. In just 15 minutes, the pressure cooker had done a great job of turning the potatoes ultratender while maintaining their bright orange color and concentrating their earthy flavor. After draining the potatoes and returning them to the pot, some quick work with a masher turned them into the side we were after. All they needed was some butter, cream, and sugar, and they were ready for the table. See the step shot and Troubleshooting that follows the recipe.
INGREDIENTS
|
2 |
pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced ½ inch thick |
|
1 |
cup water |
|
Salt and pepper |
|
|
4 |
tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces |
|
2 |
tablespoons heavy cream |
|
1 |
teaspoon sugar |
1. HIGH PRESSURE FOR 15 MINUTES: Combine sweet potatoes, water, and ½ teaspoon salt in pressure-cooker pot. Lock pressure-cooker lid in place and bring to high pressure over medium-high heat. As soon as pot reaches high pressure, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes, adjusting heat as needed to maintain high pressure.
2. QUICK RELEASE PRESSURE: Remove pot from heat. Quick release pressure, then carefully remove lid, allowing steam to escape away from you.
3. BEFORE SERVING: Drain sweet potatoes in colander and toss gently to remove excess water. Return drained sweet potatoes to now-empty pot and mash with potato masher until mostly smooth. Fold in butter, cream, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
VARIATIONS
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Indian Spices
After draining potatoes in step 3, melt butter in now-empty pot, add ¾ teaspoon garam masala, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add drained potatoes and mash as directed. Add ½ cup currants to pot with heavy cream and brown sugar.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Sugar
Increase amount of sugar to 3 tablespoons. After draining potatoes in step 3, add butter and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to now-empty pot and cook over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Return drained potatoes to pot and continue with recipe as directed.