Utilizing a slow cooker for preparing sweet potatoes is an efficient and effective method to ensure you have a ready supply of this nutritious carbohydrate. Sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient suitable for meals throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner, and even as a healthy school lunch option for children.
Importance of Using Foil in the Slow Cooker
When cooking sweet potatoes in a slow cooker, lining the appliance with foil is highly recommended. This practice prevents the natural juices released by the sweet potatoes during cooking from burning onto the bottom of the slow cooker, which can be difficult to clean. The foil not only simplifies cleanup but also helps in maintaining the integrity of your cooker.
Cooking Process for Sweet Potatoes
To achieve perfectly “baked” sweet potatoes, wrap each potato individually in foil and place them in the slow cooker. Set the cooker on low for about 8 hours, which can conveniently be done overnight. By morning, the slow cooker will switch to the warm setting, if available, allowing the sweet potatoes to remain warm until they are ready to be served.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
Sweet potatoes cooked in this manner can be served as is or mashed with a bit of cinnamon for a delightful treat that children especially enjoy. This method is also excellent for meal prep, as the sweet potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator and used throughout the week. Whether incorporated into school lunches or served as part of a balanced dinner, these sweet potatoes offer a delicious and healthy option.
Benefits of Sweet Potatoes in Meal Planning
Incorporating sweet potatoes into your meal planning offers numerous benefits. They are a rich source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, providing a healthy boost to any meal. Using the slow cooker to prepare them in bulk helps maintain a ready supply of this nutritious ingredient, making it easier to manage a healthy diet even on busy days
Slowcooker Sweet Potatoes
Slowcooked sweet potatoes are the easiest way to prepare a lot of "baked" potatoes at one time without heating up your entire kitchen. This is a great way to have an easy source of carbs on hand right after a workout or for surprise dinner guests.
Ingredients
- 8 Sweet Potatoes, or as many will fit in your slowcooker
- Tin Foil
Instructions
- Take a large piece of foil and line the slowcooker, coming up the sides. This is optional, but helps to keep any leaks from burning onto the bottom, which are a pain to clean off.
- Rinse the potatoes and pat dry. Pierce potatoes with a fork all around.
- Wrap each potato in a square of foil, sealing tightly. Arrange wrapped potatoes in the slowcooker as best as they will fit.
- Place lid on the slowcooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Remove when the potatoes feel soft when you poke them (they'll be hot so use a wooden spoon to poke).
- Remove and keep wrapped.
- Refrigerate wrapped potatoes until ready to use. Eat within one week.
Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1 potatoAmount Per Serving Calories 103Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 41mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 4gSugar 7gProtein 2g
Nutrition is calculated by a third party and may not be 100% accurate
Elaine
Sunday 27th of September 2015
We LOVE sweet potatoes & this is the easiest EVER! I cannot wait to try it. The best thing is it's another recipe to use my new crock pot with! Thanks!!
Sydnee
Tuesday 24th of March 2015
These look so good! Random question...where did you get your cute cinnamon spice jar and label? I'm working on organizing my spice cabinet and I absolutely love yours!!! Thanks!!