How to Make Canned Sweet Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to enjoy sweet potatoes all year round, then canned sweet potatoes are a great option. Canned sweet potatoes are already cooked and can be used in a variety of recipes, making meal prep a breeze. In this article, we’ll be sharing some simple steps on how to make canned sweet potatoes that are tasty and nutritious.

First, it’s important to choose the right type of canned sweet potatoes. Look for cans that just contain sweet potatoes and maybe water or syrup. Avoid cans that contain additives, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners. Once you have your cans, it’s easy to prepare your sweet potatoes. All you need to do is drain the can and rinse the sweet potatoes under cold running water. If you prefer a softer texture, you can also heat them up in the microwave or on the stove. From there, it’s up to you to decide how you want to use them in your meals. Whether you’re making sweet potato casserole, a savory stew, or a delicious soup, canned sweet potatoes are a simple and convenient ingredient to have on hand.

Preparing Your Sweet Potatoes for Canning

Sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables out there, and can be used in a variety of dishes such as casseroles, pies, and even as a side dish with your Thanksgiving dinner. Canned sweet potatoes are an even more convenient way to incorporate this delicious root vegetable into your meal prep routine. Here are some steps to ensure your canned sweet potatoes turn out perfectly.

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

When it comes to choosing sweet potatoes for canning, you want to select high-quality sweet potatoes that are free from blemishes and bruises. A good rule of thumb is to choose sweet potatoes that are firm, unblemished, and have a good shape. It is also recommended to choose sweet potatoes of similar sizes so that they cook evenly.

Cleaning and Peeling

Before you begin canning sweet potatoes, you need to wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, you can peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Be sure to remove any blemishes or dark spots as you go.

Cutting the Sweet Potatoes

After peeling, you need to slice the sweet potatoes into pieces of your desired size. Some people prefer to cut them into cubes while others prefer to cut them into wedges. The choice is up to you, but be sure to make the pieces uniform in size so that they will cook evenly.

Boiling the Sweet Potatoes

After cutting the sweet potatoes, you need to submerge them in boiling water for about 5 to 7 minutes or until they are tender. This process helps to soften the sweet potatoes and prepares them for canning. Once they are cooked, you should drain the water and allow the sweet potatoes to cool for a few minutes.

Preparing the Syrup

While your sweet potatoes are boiling, you can prepare the syrup that you will use to preserve them. You will need to mix sugar, water, and corn syrup in a pot and bring it to a boil. You can add spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for added flavor.

Packing Your Sweet Potatoes

After cooking and cooling, you can pack your sweet potatoes into sterilized canning jars. Be sure to leave about half an inch of headspace at the top of the jar. This will give the sweet potatoes room to expand while they are processing. You can also add some of the syrup into the jars before sealing to preserve the sweet potatoes.

Processing Your Sweet Potatoes

To can your sweet potatoes, you will need to process them in a pressure canner. This helps to kill any bacteria that may be present and ensures that your sweet potatoes will last for a long time. Follow the instructions of your pressure canner to ensure that your sweet potatoes are processed safely.

Checking Your Seals

After processing your sweet potatoes, you should check the seals of your jars by pressing the center of the lid. If it pops back, the jar did not seal properly and you will need to process it again or store it in the refrigerator.

Storing Your Sweet Potatoes

Once your sweet potatoes have been processed and sealed properly, you can store them in a cool, dry place for up to a year. It’s recommended to store them on a shelf or in a pantry rather than on the floor to prevent moisture from seeping in.

Using Your Canned Sweet Potatoes

Canned sweet potatoes can be used in a variety of recipes, including sweet potato pie, sweet potato casserole, and glazed sweet potatoes. Simply drain the liquid before using and add the sweet potatoes to your recipe as needed. Enjoy the convenience and delicious taste of canned sweet potatoes all year round!

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

Are you ready to start cooking your delicious canned sweet potatoes? Before you get started, you should know that preparing them is the most crucial part of the process. Here are some tips to help you prepare your sweet potatoes correctly:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes

When choosing the sweet potatoes, you want to look for those that are firm, smooth, and free from any bruises or cuts. They should also have brightly colored skin that’s solid, without any cracks or wrinkling. Avoid choosing sweet potatoes that are soft or have a musty smell.

2. Peel the Potatoes

Once you have your sweet potatoes, it’s time to peel them. Using a peeler or sharp knife, remove the skin carefully and discard it. Make sure you remove all the skin completely, as any remaining bits can ruin the texture of your canned sweet potatoes.

3. Cut the Potatoes

Next, cut your sweet potatoes into equal-sized cubes. This will help them cook evenly and prevent smaller pieces from becoming overcooked. Try to make each cube around 1-2 inches in size for the best results.

4. Boil the Potatoes

Now it’s time to cook your sweet potatoes. Place them in a pot of boiling water and let them cook for around 10-15 minutes, or until they become tender but still hold their shape. Be sure not to overcook your sweet potatoes, as they will become mushy and lose their flavor.

5. Drain the Potatoes

Once your sweet potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes. This will help them retain their texture and flavor when you add them to your canning jars.

6. Mash the Potatoes (Optional)

If you prefer a smoother texture for your canned sweet potatoes, you can mash them using a potato masher or a blender. Mash them until they reach your desired consistency but be careful not to overdo it as this can result in a gummy texture.

7. Season the Potatoes

If you want to add some flavor to your canned sweet potatoes, season them with some salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Alternatively, you can add some cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicier taste.

8. Prepare Your Canning Jars

Before you start canning, make sure you prepare your canning jars by washing them in hot soapy water and sterilizing them in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. This will help prevent any bacteria from contaminating your canned sweet potatoes.

9. Fill the Jars

Using a jar funnel, fill your canning jars with your cooked sweet potatoes, leaving around 1 inch of headspace. This will help create a vacuum seal and prevent the jars from cracking.

10. Process the Jars

Lastly, it’s time to process your jars using a water bath canner. Place your filled jars in the canner, making sure they are covered with at least 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to a boil and let your canned sweet potatoes process for around 25-35 minutes, depending on your altitude. Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely before storing them in a cool, dry place.

How to Cook Canned Sweet Potatoes

Canned sweet potatoes are a great alternative to fresh sweet potatoes as they are already cooked, peeled, and cut into uniform sizes. They save you time and effort, plus they have a long shelf life. Here are some easy steps to follow when cooking canned sweet potatoes:

Step 1: Choose your cooking method

There are several ways to cook canned sweet potatoes. You can bake, microwave, sauté, or fry them. Each method has its own benefits, but for this article, we will focus on baking, which is the easiest and healthiest method.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. While waiting for the oven to heat up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking to the pan and make cleaning up easier.

Step 3: Drain and rinse the canned sweet potatoes

Open the can of sweet potatoes and drain the liquid using a colander. Rinse the sweet potatoes under cold running water to remove any excess starch or salt.

Step 4: Season and spice up the sweet potatoes

You can use any seasoning or spice you like, but for a classic taste, stick to butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg. In a bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the canned sweet potatoes and toss gently until all the potatoes are coated.

Step 5: Bake the sweet potatoes

Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are golden-brown and crispy on the outside. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

In conclusion, cooking canned sweet potatoes is an effortless and quick way to enjoy this nutritious and flavorful root vegetable. By following the five simple steps above, you’ll have a delicious and healthy side dish in no time. Don’t forget to experiment with different seasonings and spices to add variety to your meals!

Time to Can Some Sweet Potatoes!

Thanks for taking the time to learn how to make canned sweet potatoes. It’s a process that takes a little bit of time, but it’s well worth the effort when you taste the delicious, tender sweet potatoes all year round. Don’t forget to come back again to read more of our recipes and tips. Remember to always have fun in the kitchen and be creative with your recipes. Bon Appetit and happy canning!