Boiled sweet potatoes are a favorite comfort food for many women, especially during cold weather. There is nothing more satisfying than enjoying hot, fluffy sweet potatoes that break apart easily, release a pleasant aroma, and have a naturally sweet flavor. However, not everyone knows how to boil sweet potatoes so they turn out perfectly soft and crumbly every time.

According to experienced home cooks, there is one simple and inexpensive ingredient that can make a big difference when boiling sweet potatoes. That ingredient is salt. Adding a small amount of salt during cooking helps enhance both the texture and flavor of the potatoes, making them softer and more delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg sweet potatoes (medium-sized)

• Water

• A small amount of salt

Instructions:

First, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Place them in a pot, add enough water to just cover the potatoes, and sprinkle in a small amount of salt (about 1/3 teaspoon). Salt plays an important role in helping the sweet potatoes become fluffier and more evenly cooked.

Bring the water to a boil, then continue boiling for about 10–13 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You can test doneness by piercing them with chopsticks—if the chopsticks slide in easily and the potatoes are soft but not falling apart, they are ready.

Once the sweet potatoes are just cooked through, carefully pour off all the water. Place the pot back on the stove and heat for a short while longer, allowing the surface of the potatoes to dry slightly and become lightly scorched. This step enhances the aroma and gives the sweet potatoes a rich, nutty flavor similar to roasted sweet potatoes.

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes:

Selecting good-quality sweet potatoes is just as important as the cooking method. When shopping, choose potatoes that are medium in size and uniform in shape. If the potatoes vary too much in size, some may cook faster than others, resulting in uneven texture.

Look for sweet potatoes with firm flesh, smooth skin, and no signs of fibrous texture, hard centers, or damage from insects. Some varieties are naturally fluffier than others, so taking time to choose the right type will ensure the best possible result.

With the right ingredients, careful selection, and a few simple techniques, boiled sweet potatoes can become a warm, fragrant, and irresistibly delicious dish for any cold day.