Don’t just save this amazing superfood for Thanksgiving; have Mashed Sweet Potatoes any night of the week.
When I was a kid, we only ate sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving (yes, the casserole with the tiny marshmallows on top). It was so yummy that when I grew up and started cooking, I wondered why we ate this dish that everyone loved so much only once a year. Then I started hearing about all the nutrition in sweet potatoes and I thought, Hmmm, again, why do we only eat these beauties that are so good for us only once a year? So I started serving baked sweet potatoes and roasted sweet potatoes a lot more often but my family’s favorite is this recipe for Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
There are so many different kinds of sweet potatoes but they all fall into 4 categories classified by color: purple, orange, white and yellow. Each one has its own particular taste and texture, but they all work in this recipe. Choose the purple ones for a really dramatic presentation, or the white ones for your picky eaters who think they don’t like sweet potatoes; the creamy white color will make them think they’re eating regular potatoes. When you reveal the truth, they might just find they like these sweet ones better!
These mashed sweet potatoes are smooth and velvety, thanks not only to the melted butter and milk but also to the silky consistency the potatoes achieve once they’re boiled. And their naturally sweet flavor is beautifully balanced by the salt and pepper. They really taste delicious, and because they are so easy to make, you’ll be serving them often.
How often, you might wonder? Well, even though we associate the sweet potato with Thanksgiving, mashed sweet potatoes go with so many dishes that you’ll end up making them all the time. But if you don’t want to serve them separately from turkey, why not serve them alongside these Healthy Turkey Meatballs!
The Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse! Not only are they rich in vitamins A and C, they are a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals. Sweet potatoes are not called a superfood for nothing!
Boiled sweet potatoes are low on the glycemic index, which means they are good for those with diabetes (FYI, other methods of cooking sweet potatoes, like roasting, baking, or frying, can raise their glycemic index and actually cause blood sugar to spike). There is also evidence that sweet potatoes can lower “bad” (i.e., LDL) cholesterol. And vitamin A promotes good eye health. They are also purported to have anticancer properties and are good for your gut. So eat your sweet potatoes!
FAQs & Tips
How do I store these potatoes?
Store Mashed Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container for 3-5 days. These potatoes will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. A good idea is to place the cooled mashed sweet potatoes in a freezer bag, and flatten the potatoes with your hands, squeezing out as much air as possible.
Does my dairy need to be warm?
Melt your butter and warm your milk just before you are ready to incorporate these two ingredients into your mashed sweet potatoes because it will help your potatoes absorb them better.
Can these mashed sweet potatoes be made vegan?
Absolutely. You can use a plant-based butter and pretty much any unsweetened non-dairy milk; we like almond milk best because it gives these potatoes a wonderful creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a really versatile side dish: they go perfectly with so many things. For instance, I love to add ground ginger, a bit of garlic powder, and a splash of soy sauce and then serve them alongside Broiled Ginger Salmon. And speaking of salmon, if I’m making Maple Glazed Salmon, I’ll add a teaspoon of pure maple syrup just before I mash the potatoes. The thing is, these mashed sweet potatoes can be customized to match any kind of main course you’re making: try incorporating a little orange juice and some orange zest and then serving the Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Orange Chicken and Vegetables.
They also make a great bed for Ratatouille for the veggie lovers in your household, and for Braised Beef Short Ribs for the carnivores. And, of course, Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a natural with Meatloaf or Roast Chicken or any other comfort main. And if you find yourself really craving that Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole, use these Mashed Sweet Potatoes as your base and top them with Homemade Vanilla Bean Marshmallows.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Parsley finely chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into 1-inch chunks.
- Boil a pot of water and cook the sweet potato chunks for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
- Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth.
- Stir in the melted butter and milk, and continue to mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, garnish with finely chopped parsley before serving.
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