Have you ever found yourself looking for a side dish that feels both comforting and a little bit different? Something familiar, but with a fresh twist? I know I have. That’s exactly where this amazing recipe for savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes comes in. It’s a total departure from the sugary, marshmallow topped versions you might be used to seeing.
Instead, we are going for a rich, creamy, and wonderfully savory flavor profile. Think fresh herbs, a hint of garlic, and the cool tang of sour cream. It’s one of those amazing Sweet Potato Dishes that complements almost any main course. Let’s get into making it!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This recipe for Mashed Sweet Potatoes is all about simplicity and big flavor. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a delicious side without a lot of fuss. It feels special enough for a celebration but is easy enough for a Tuesday night dinner.
The texture is just right. We mash the potatoes to a creamy consistency that is so satisfying. The butter and sour cream melt right in, creating a smooth and luscious base. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes everyone happy at the dinner table.
What really makes this dish stand out is the freshness. The finely sliced green onions and chopped parsley add a pop of color and a burst of bright, herby flavor. This isn’t just a pile of orange mush. It’s a vibrant, interesting, and totally delicious side.
It’s also incredibly versatile. These savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes go well with roasted chicken, pan seared fish, a good steak, or even a hearty lentil loaf. It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of Savory Sweet Potato Recipes that you’ll turn to again and again.
Plus, it’s a great recipe for beginners. The steps are straightforward and easy to follow. If you have been wondering How To Cook Sweet Potatoes in a new way, this is the perfect place to start. You really can’t go wrong with this one. It’s a reliable recipe that delivers great results every time.
The visual appeal is another great point. Just look at that beautiful swirl of sour cream and the sprinkle of fresh greens on top. It’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes. It adds a touch of simple elegance to any plate. You will be so proud to serve these beautiful Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for these Mashed Sweet Potatoes is wonderfully simple. It relies on fresh, whole foods to create its amazing flavor. You likely have many of these items in your kitchen already.
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 7 small to medium), peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- ⅓ cup finely sliced green onion, mostly green parts (from 1 bunch)
- ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
- 1 small to medium garlic clove, pressed or minced
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons butter, cubed
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making these creamy, savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes is so easy. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic side dish ready in no time. Let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: Prepare And Boil The Potatoes
First things first, let’s get the potatoes ready. Place your cubed sweet potatoes into a large saucepan or a Dutch oven. It’s a key part of How To Cook Sweet Potatoes properly for mashing.
Add enough water to cover the potatoes by about one inch. Then, add one teaspoon of the salt to the water. This helps season the potatoes from the inside out as they cook.
Bring the whole mixture to a simmer over medium high heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat a bit to maintain a steady, gentle simmer. Let the potatoes cook, uncovered, until they are tender.
This should take about nine to twelve minutes. You’ll know they are ready when you can easily slide a fork in and out of a cube. You don’t want them falling apart, just soft enough to mash.
Step 2: Drain And Mash
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them very well in a colander. Getting rid of the excess water is important for achieving a creamy, not watery, texture for your Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
Return the drained potatoes right back to the warm pot. The residual heat will help evaporate any last bits of moisture. Now it’s time to mash!
Use a potato masher or even a large fork to mash the sweet potatoes to your desired consistency. Some people like them perfectly smooth, while others enjoy a few small lumps for texture. You get to decide.
Step 3: Add The Flavor
This is where the magic happens. While the potatoes are still hot, promptly add almost all of the green onion and parsley. Make sure to save a small amount of each for a pretty garnish at the end.
Next, add the minced garlic and give everything a good stir to combine. The heat from the potatoes will gently cook the garlic, mellowing its sharp flavor just a bit.
Now, stir in most of the sour cream, reserving about one tablespoon for the garnish. Add all of the cubed butter and the remaining one teaspoon of salt. The butter will melt beautifully into the hot potatoes.
Stir everything together until the butter is fully melted and all the ingredients are well incorporated. This is the moment when it transforms into rich and creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
Give it a taste. Season with additional salt if you think it needs it. I usually add another quarter to a half teaspoon. Then, add freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
Step 4: Garnish And Serve
Time to make it look beautiful! Transfer the finished Mashed Sweet Potatoes to a serving bowl. Use a spoon to create a lovely swirl with the reserved sour cream on top.
Sprinkle the reserved green onion and parsley over the top. Drizzle lightly with the extra virgin olive oil. Finish with one last sprinkle of black pepper.
Serve your delicious creation promptly while it’s warm. These savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes are ready to be enjoyed. They are truly one of the most satisfying Sweet Potato Dishes you can make.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, you are in luck! These Mashed Sweet Potatoes store wonderfully. Allow them to cool down to room temperature first.
Then, transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for about three to four days. The flavors might even meld and become more delicious overnight.
When you are ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them gently. The microwave works well for a quick option. Just heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
You can also reheat them on the stovetop in a small saucepan over low heat. You might want to add a splash of milk or a small pat of butter to restore their creamy consistency. Just stir until they are heated through. Leftover Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a real treat!
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Mashed Sweet Potatoes turn out great every single time. A little extra knowledge can make a big difference in the kitchen.
First, choose the right potatoes. Look for sweet potatoes with smooth, firm skin and no soft spots. Varieties like Beauregard or Garnet are great for mashing as they have a moist, sweet flesh that becomes very creamy.
Don’t skip salting the cooking water. This is a fundamental tip for How To Cook Sweet Potatoes, or any potato for that matter. It seasons them from within, creating a much deeper flavor in the final dish.
For a richer, nuttier flavor, you could use browned butter instead of regular cubed butter. Simply melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat and cook until it foams and golden brown specks appear. It adds a wonderful depth.
Want to make it dairy free or vegan? It’s totally possible. You can replace the sour cream with a good quality vegan sour cream. Instead of butter, stir in some extra virgin olive oil to your taste. This makes it one of the most adaptable Savory Sweet Potato Recipes around.
Finally, always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end. Your palate is the best guide. A little extra salt or pepper can really make all the flavors pop. This step is what separates good Sweet Potato Dishes from great ones.
Conclusion
So there you have it! A simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying recipe for savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy this versatile vegetable in a whole new light.
This dish proves that sweet potatoes don’t always need to be sweet. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, butter, and sour cream creates a creamy, tangy, and savory side that is truly special.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal or just a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. I hope you give these Mashed Sweet Potatoes a try and love them as much as I do. Enjoy!
FAQ
Can I Make These Mashed Sweet Potatoes Ahead Of Time?
Yes, absolutely! This is one of those great Sweet Potato Dishes that can be made in advance. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What Can I Serve With These Sweet Potatoes?
These savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes are incredibly versatile. They are a fantastic side for roasted chicken, turkey, or pork loin. They also pair wonderfully with a grilled steak or salmon. They are a welcome addition to any holiday table, especially for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Can I Use Something Other Than Sour Cream?
You can! While sour cream provides a lovely tang, full fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute that offers a similar creamy texture and tanginess. You could also use cream cheese for an even richer result, though it will have a slightly different flavor profile.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Making a vegan version of these Mashed Sweet Potatoes is very straightforward. Use a high quality vegan sour cream alternative. For the butter, you can substitute it with your favorite vegan butter or simply use extra virgin olive oil to taste. It will be just as delicious.
Can I Use A Food Processor To Mash The Potatoes?
I would advise against it. Using a food processor or a blender on potatoes can overwork the starches, resulting in a gummy or gluey texture. For the best creamy, fluffy Mashed Sweet Potatoes, it’s best to stick with a classic potato masher, a ricer, or even a sturdy fork.
Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
A comforting and fresh take on a classic side dish. These creamy mashed sweet potatoes are blended with fresh herbs, garlic, and tangy sour cream for a wonderfully savory flavor that complements any main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes into a large saucepan and add enough water to cover by about one inch. Add one teaspoon of salt.
- Bring the water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander and return them to the warm pot.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a large fork to your desired consistency.
- While the potatoes are still hot, add most of the green onion and parsley (reserving a small amount for garnish) and the minced garlic. Stir to combine.
- Stir in most of the sour cream (reserving about one tablespoon for garnish), the cubed butter, and the remaining one teaspoon of salt. Continue stirring until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
- Taste and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Create a swirl with the reserved sour cream, sprinkle with the reserved green onion and parsley, drizzle with olive oil, and finish with another sprinkle of black pepper before serving.
Notes
For the best texture, use sweet potato varieties like Beauregard or Garnet, which have moist flesh that becomes very creamy when mashed.
For a richer, nuttier flavor, you can use browned butter instead of regular cubed butter.
To make this recipe dairy-free or vegan, substitute the sour cream and butter with high-quality vegan alternatives. You can also use extra virgin olive oil in place of butter.
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