SWEET POTATOES - A SUPER FOOD
IN THE KITCHEN
Sweet potatoes are one of nature’s sweetest gifts — packed with nutrition, naturally delicious, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re focused on health, flavor, or convenience, this humble root vegetable deserves a regular spot on your plate.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes aren’t just tasty — they’re a nutrient powerhouse. Here’s why they’re worth adding to your weekly meals:
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals – Loaded with vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin C, manganese, and potassium, sweet potatoes support healthy vision, immunity, and overall body function.
High in Fiber – Keeps digestion running smoothly and helps you feel full longer.
Supports Stable Blood Sugar – Despite their sweetness, the fiber slows sugar absorption, helping prevent sharp spikes and crashes.
Packed with Antioxidants – Beta-carotene and anthocyanins (especially in purple varieties) help protect your cells from damage and inflammation.
Promotes Healthy Skin – The vitamin A and C content supports collagen production and skin repair.
Supports Gut Health – The fiber feeds your beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy microbiome.
Heart-Healthy – Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while antioxidants protect your cardiovascular system.
The Best Way to Cook Sweet Potatoes
While you can bake, mash, or fry sweet potatoes, I’ve found steaming them to be the best way to preserve their nutrients and natural sweetness. Steaming keeps the flesh tender without drying it out, and because you’re not boiling them in water, you retain more of the vitamins and minerals.
Here’s how I make them:
Steam First – Steam whole sweet potatoes until they’re tender and a fork slides in easily but not too mushy.
Cool Completely – Let them cool (this step helps them firm up for cutting).
Cube and Roast – Cut into cubes, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until golden and slightly crisp on the edges.
Why This Method Works
By steaming first and roasting second, you get the best of both worlds: a soft, sweet interior and a slightly caramelized exterior. This method also makes meal prep a breeze — you can steam several sweet potatoes at once, store them in the fridge, and roast as needed throughout the week.
The Perfect Side Dish
Cubed and roasted sweet potatoes pair beautifully with:
Roast Chicken – The sweet and savory combo is irresistible.
Fresh Salads – Toss them into a spinach or kale salad for a boost of color and nutrition.
Other Vegetables – Pair with roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a rainbow plate.
Here you can see I paired my sweet potatoes with a piece of sourdough bread toasted with some steamed and sautéed broccoli rabe on top . Delish !!!!
Meal Prep Magic
Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite foods to prep ahead. Steam them on Sunday, and you’ll have a versatile ingredient ready to reheat or toss into dishes all week. They’re delicious hot or cold, which makes them perfect for quick lunches, dinners, or even breakfast alongside eggs.
Sweet potatoes prove that healthy food can be easy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious — especially when cooked with a little love and the right technique.
I always like to use my INSTANT POT as is easy and very fast and it doest make a mess, easy clean up.
