Steamed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Purple Sweet Potato Side Dish

I love keeping a batch of steamed purple sweet potatoes in the fridge. They're one of my favorite easy sides.

Just peel, slice, and steam for a nutritious side that's naturally sweet. They're full of antioxidants and fiber, and their beautiful color makes any meal pop!

They're also meal-prep friendly. I use them with sautéed fish, roasted chicken, or toss the leftovers into omelets, salads, and bowls throughout the week.

If you enjoy purple sweet potatoes, try my Roasted Purple Sweet Potato Cubes for crispy edges or Roasted Purple Sweet Potato Halves for a simple roasted side dish.

You might also like my Baked Sweet Potato Cubes made with orange sweet potatoes or Oven Roasted Russet Potatoes with Garlic. They all make easy side dishes for weeknight dinners.

Varieties of Purple Sweet Potatoes

Today I'm cooking Stokes purple sweet potatoes, native to North Carolina and now grown in California.

They have deep purple skin and flesh, are firm and slightly dry with a mild earthy flavor, and hold their shape well when cooked.

Okinawan purple sweet potatoes come from Japan. They have tan skin with light purple flesh that's a little moister and sweeter than Stokes. They're now widely grown in Hawaii and sometimes labeled Hawaiian sweet potatoes.

Both are rich in antioxidants and have lots of fiber.

You can pick them up at natural food stores. I got mine at Sprouts Farmers Market.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

• 2-3 medium purple sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)
• Water for steaming

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Peel the sweet potatoes, slice off the tips and slice into 1-inch thick rounds.
2. Add 1-2 inches of water to a pot and place in a steamer basket. Bring water to a boil.
3. Add potatoes, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. If you don't have a lid, use a small sheet pan.
4. Steam for about 10 minutes, until fork tender.
5. Remove and serve warm.

Optional Toppings

• Roasted Garlic
• Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
• Sour Cream Cilantro Sauce
• Sautéed Mushrooms
• Melted butter with flaky sea salt and pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil with salt and freshly ground black pepper
• A drizzle of honey and fresh herbs
• Greek yogurt & chopped nuts
• Crumbled feta & fresh parsley or basil

Storage and Reheating

Cool the steamed purple sweet potatoes completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm in a hot skillet with some oil or butter over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. You can also place them back in a steamer for about 3 minutes until they're heated through.

Top Tips for Success

• Cut pieces evenly so they steam at the same rate.
• Keep the lid sealed to trap steam and cook quickly.
• Don't overcook - check at 8 minutes to avoid mushy slices.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with fish, roasted chicken, or steak. Great in bowls, salads, or reheated for breakfast with your morning eggs.

Nutrition Benefits

Purple sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants, especially anthocyanin, the same compounds that give blueberries their deep color.

They're also high in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.

These potatoes are naturally gluten-free and nutrient-dense.

Summary

Steaming purple sweet potatoes into one-inch rounds is the fastest way to cook them. In just ten minutes, you'll have tender, vibrant slices with clean, earthy sweetness.

Although purple sweet potatoes are naturally drier than orange ones, steaming keeps them moist and soft without added oil or butter.

They're perfect as a quick side or healthy snack and pair with fish, chicken, steak, or toss into salads and bowls.

For other ways to cook them, try my roasted purple sweet potato cubes or roasted purple sweet potato halves.

More Healthy Vegetable Recipes

• Steamed Broccoli and Carrots Recipe
• Italian Carrot Salad
• Arugula and Sweet Potato Salad with Feta
• Roasted Cauliflower and Asparagus with Carrots
• Dr. Ray Peat Carrot Salad