Both potatoes and sweet potatoes are staple root vegetables that are enjoyed around the world. However, while they are similar in some ways, there are also key differences between potatoes and sweet potatoes when it comes to cooking times and methods.
The basics of potatoes and sweet potatoes
Potatoes and sweet potatoes have different origins and flavors despite their similar appearances. Potatoes originated in South America and were brought to Europe in the 16th century. They are starchy root vegetables with a mild, earthy flavor. Sweet potatoes originated in Central and South America and were brought to Europe in the 16th century as well, though they took longer to become popular. Sweet potatoes have a sweeter flavor and are lower on the glycemic index than white potatoes.
Both potatoes and sweet potatoes need to be cooked before being eaten. However, the cooking methods and times differ between the two vegetables.
Cooking methods for potatoes and sweet potatoes
There are a variety of cooking methods that can be used for potatoes and sweet potatoes, including:
Potatoes
- Boiling
- Baking
- Mashing
- Roasting
- Frying/sautéing
Sweet potatoes
- Boiling
- Baking
- Mashing
- Roasting
While there is some overlap in applicable cooking methods, sweet potatoes are not usually fried because of their higher sugar content. Potatoes work well boiled, baked, mashed, roasted, sautéed or fried.
Cooking times by method
When it comes to necessary cooking times, potatoes and sweet potatoes differ significantly. This table provides approximate cooking times for various methods:
| Cooking Method | Potatoes | Sweet Potatoes |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling | 10-25 minutes | 15-30 minutes |
| Baking | 45-60 minutes | 45-60 minutes |
| Mashing | 15-30 minutes boiling before mashing | 20-40 minutes boiling before mashing |
| Roasting | 35-55 minutes | 45-60 minutes |
| Frying/sautéing | 6-10 minutes | N/A |
As the table shows, sweet potatoes generally take longer to cook than regular potatoes. The difference is especially noticeable when boiling or mashing – sweet potatoes can take nearly twice as long as potatoes to become tender when boiled. The extra cooking time is required to soften the denser, starchier flesh of sweet potatoes.
Reasons for differing cooking times
There are a few main reasons why sweet potatoes require longer cooking times than potatoes:
Higher fiber content
Sweet potatoes contain more fiber than potatoes – approximately 3 grams of fiber per potato compared to 2 grams in a white potato. Fiber takes longer to soften and cook than starch.
Denser flesh
Sweet potatoes have a thicker, denser flesh compared to more fluffy, porous potatoes. This compact cellular structure translates to a longer cooking time.
More starch
Potatoes contain more starch than sweet potatoes which gelatinizes during cooking, softening the potato. With less starch, sweet potatoes don’t breakdown as fast.
Higher sugar content
The higher sugar content in sweet potatoes results in a higher boiling point which extends the cooking process.
Tips for cooking potatoes and sweet potatoes
Follow these tips to achieve perfectly cooked potatoes and sweet potatoes every time:
Potatoes
- Cut potatoes to uniform size for even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster.
- Before boiling, pare potatoes if desired and place in cold salted water before heating.
- Allow 10-25 minutes boiling time depending on size of pieces.
- For baking, coat with oil and bake at 400°F for 45-60 minutes.
- For roasting, coat with oil and roast at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Takes 35-55 minutes.
- For mashing, boil potatoes whole for 15-30 minutes until tender, then mash.
Sweet potatoes
- Cut sweet potatoes to uniform size to ensure even cooking.
- Before boiling, place sweet potatoes in cold salted water and bring to a boil.
- Boil for 15-30 minutes until fork tender. Time varies based on size.
- For baking, coat with oil and bake at 400°F for 45-60 minutes.
- For roasting, coat with oil and roast at 425°F for 45-60 minutes.
- Boil whole sweet potatoes for 20-40 minutes before mashing until tender.
How to tell when potatoes and sweet potatoes are done
The best way to test potatoes and sweet potatoes for doneness is by piercing them with a fork or knife tip. Here’s what to look for:
Potatoes are done when:
- A fork slides in and out easily
- They are easily pierced through with a knife
- They break apart/mash easily when pierced
Sweet potatoes are done when:
- A fork or knife meets little resistance
- They are tender but not mushy
- They break apart slightly when pierced
The interior should be soft all the way through without any crunchy parts. Err on the side of overcooking sweet potatoes slightly since they become mushy more gradually than white potatoes.
Things to avoid
To ensure tender, evenly cooked potatoes and sweet potatoes, avoid these mistakes:
- Not cutting pieces to uniform size
- Not boiling potatoes long enough
- Overcooking sweet potatoes into mush
- Undercooking the insides so they are crunchy
- Cooking at inconsistent temperatures
Conclusion
While potatoes and sweet potatoes have some similarities and can be used in many of the same ways, their cooking times differ considerably. Sweet potatoes nearly always require longer cooking due to their higher fiber content, denser flesh, more starch, and higher sugar content. To achieve tender results, allow 10-25 minutes for boiling potatoes and 15-30 for sweet potatoes. Baking takes 45-60 minutes for both. Roast, fry, and mash sweet potatoes for longer, too. Check doneness with a fork and avoid under or overcooking for perfect spuds every time.