Peeling sweet potatoes can be surprisingly simple with the right technique or a little preparation, making your cooking process much smoother.
There are several effective methods to easily remove sweet potato skins, whether you prefer to peel them raw or after cooking. The best approach often depends on how you plan to use the sweet potatoes.
1. Peeling Raw Sweet Potatoes with a Peeler or Knife
For most recipes, peeling sweet potatoes while they're raw is the most common method. A good quality vegetable peeler is usually the most efficient tool, but a sharp paring knife also works well.
Using a Vegetable Peeler
This method is quick and effective for raw sweet potatoes, especially those with relatively smooth skin.
- Wash and Trim: Start by thoroughly washing the sweet potato under running water to remove any dirt. Trim off both ends of the sweet potato using a knife.
- Hold Firmly: Hold the sweet potato firmly in one hand. For better grip, you can cut larger sweet potatoes in half or into smaller, more manageable pieces.
- Peel in Long Strokes: Using your vegetable peeler, start at one end and move the peeler in long, continuous strokes towards the other end. Continue this motion, rotating the sweet potato as you go, until all the skin is removed. Ensure you remove any remaining skin, especially around the ends.
- Inspect: Check for any dark spots or remaining bits of skin and remove them.
Using a Paring Knife
A paring knife can be used similarly to a peeler, offering more control, especially for irregular shapes.
- Prepare: Wash and trim the sweet potato as described above.
- Stabilize: Place the sweet potato on a cutting board or hold it securely.
- Slice Thinly: Carefully use the knife to slice off thin strips of skin, working around the sweet potato. Use a gentle, downward motion, following the contours of the potato. Rotate the potato as you peel, going from top to bottom.
- Caution: Always peel away from your body to prevent accidental cuts.
2. Easy Peeling After Cooking
Cooking sweet potatoes before peeling can significantly soften the skin, making it incredibly easy to remove, often just by hand. This method is ideal if your recipe calls for cooked sweet potatoes (like purees, mashes, or roasted chunks) and you want to save time and effort.
Boiling or Steaming
Boiling or steaming sweet potatoes is a simple way to get them tender and their skins loose.
- Cook Whole: Place whole, washed sweet potatoes in a pot of boiling water or a steamer basket.
- Cook Until Tender: Boil for 20-30 minutes, or steam for 25-35 minutes, until they are fork-tender. Cooking time will vary based on size.
- Cool Slightly: Once cooked, remove them from the heat and let them cool for a few minutes until they are comfortable to handle.
- Peel by Hand: The skin should now easily slip off when rubbed or gently pulled with your fingers or a small knife. For a cleaner peel, you can use kitchen gloves.
Roasting or Baking
Roasting or baking sweet potatoes not only makes them easier to peel but also enhances their natural sweetness.
- Prepare: Wash sweet potatoes and prick them a few times with a fork. You can rub them with a little oil to help crisp the skin, though this is optional if you're only peeling.
- Roast: Place them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until very tender. Baking time will depend on the size of the sweet potatoes.
- Cool and Peel: Let them cool slightly, then the skin should peel away effortlessly with your hands or a small spoon. For smaller sections, a spoon can help scoop out the flesh while leaving the skin behind.
3. Tips for Easier Peeling
- Choose Wisely: Opt for sweet potatoes with smoother, unblemished skin, as these are generally easier to peel. Some varieties naturally have tougher skin.
- Sharp Tools: Always use a sharp peeler or knife. A dull blade can make peeling more difficult and potentially more dangerous.
- Gloves for Cooked Potatoes: When peeling hot, cooked sweet potatoes, wear heat-resistant gloves or latex gloves to protect your hands and provide a better grip.
- Cold Water Trick: After cooking, some people find plunging the sweet potatoes into an ice bath for a minute helps the skin contract and separate from the flesh, making it even easier to peel.
Sweet Potato Peeling Methods Comparison
| Method | Tools Needed | Ease of Peeling | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw (Peeler/Knife) | Vegetable peeler or paring knife | Medium | Dicing, slicing, or shredding raw sweet potatoes | Quick for raw preparations, maintains raw texture. | Requires more effort; skin can be stubborn on some potatoes. |
| Boiling/Steaming | Pot, steamer, fork | Easy | Mashed, pureed, or added to stews | Skin slips off effortlessly, softens potato. | Requires extra cooking time; texture changes. |
| Roasting/Baking | Baking sheet, fork | Very Easy | Mashed, pureed, or as a side dish | Enhances sweetness and flavor, skin peels very easily. | Requires longer cooking time; texture changes. |
By choosing the method that best suits your recipe and preference, you can make peeling sweet potatoes a hassle-free step in your cooking process. For more detailed insights on prepping vegetables, you can explore resources like Good Housekeeping's guide to peeling sweet potatoes or The Spruce Eats' tips for preparing root vegetables.
