If you’re looking to add a vibrant pop of color and a unique twist to your dinner table, this Quick & Easy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes (Side Dish) Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with natural sweetness, a smooth creamy texture, and subtle spices, this dish brings warmth and comfort in every bite. The stunning purple hue not only makes it visually exciting but also packs in antioxidants, making it a deliciously nutritious option that complements any main course beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Quick & Easy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes (Side Dish) Recipe plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and that beautiful vibrant color. They’re straightforward pantry staples with a touch of herbs and spices that elevate this dish beyond simple mashed potatoes.
- 2 pounds purple “Stokes” sweet potatoes: The star ingredient, providing sweetness, stunning color, and a creamy base for mashing.
- 1/2 cup milk: Use cow’s milk, cream, or your favorite unsweetened dairy-free alternative to add creaminess and smooth texture.
- 1/4 cup butter: Unsalted or dairy-free, butter enriches the potatoes with a luscious, silky mouthfeel.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy note that enhances the sweet undertones perfectly.
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg: This subtle spice deepens the flavor with an aromatic hint that’s hard to resist.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A gentle savory edge that balances the sweetness and keeps the flavor well-rounded.
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley: Freshness and color contrast for a vibrant, herbaceous lift.
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion: Adds a mild onion bite and a crunchy freshness to each spoonful.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for bringing all those flavors to life and highlighting the potato’s natural sweetness.
How to Make Quick & Easy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes (Side Dish) Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Purple Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and washing your purple sweet potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into roughly 1-inch thick cubes to ensure even cooking. The even size is key, so your potatoes cook uniformly and mash smoothly.
Step 2: Boiling the Potatoes
Place the sweet potato cubes in a large pot and cover them completely with water. Put a lid on, turn the heat to high, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the potatoes simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily slides through without resistance.
Step 3: Draining and Adding Flavor
Turn off the heat and carefully drain the water from your pot. Add in milk, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt. These ingredients come together to create a harmonious balance of creamy, warm, and savory flavors that elevate the purple sweet potatoes into something truly special.
Step 4: Mashing to Perfection
Using a potato masher, mash the sweet potatoes until you reach your desired consistency—whether slightly chunky or ultra-smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more milk or butter to create a creamier or thinner texture, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Lastly, stir in the chopped parsley and green onion for a fresh burst of flavor and color contrast. Serve this gorgeous side dish hot to truly enjoy the luscious texture and vibrant taste.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes (Side Dish) Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the appeal and flavor of your mashed purple sweet potatoes by garnishing with a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots or a handful of toasted pine nuts for some delightful crunch. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pat of herb-infused butter also makes a decadent finish that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a hearty lentil stew. Its creamy texture and vibrant flavor add richness and a pop of color that complements a wide array of mains, making your meal feel extra special and thoughtfully curated.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your Quick & Easy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes (Side Dish) Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of parsley or a few finely sliced green onions. Alternatively, pipe the potatoes onto your plate in elegant swirls for a restaurant-quality presentation that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mashed purple sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing to keep the texture fresh and flavors vibrant.
Freezing
While freezing mashed sweet potatoes is possible, it might slightly alter their texture. If you decide to freeze, portion the mash into freezer-friendly containers, leaving room for expansion, and use within 2 months for best taste and quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or a little extra butter if the texture feels too thick or dry, to bring back that creamy, irresistible consistency.
FAQs
Can I use regular orange sweet potatoes instead of purple ones?
Absolutely! While the color will change, the recipe works just as well with regular sweet potatoes, offering a similar sweet, creamy flavor.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the milk for an unsweetened, unflavored dairy-free milk alternative and use dairy-free butter or margarine. The taste and texture remain fantastic.
What if I don’t have cinnamon or nutmeg?
You can omit these spices if needed. The dish will still be delicious, though those warm notes add a special depth that makes it memorable.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make the mashed potatoes a day ahead and reheat gently before serving. Just keep them tightly covered in the fridge to preserve moisture.
How can I make the mashed potatoes smoother?
For an ultra-smooth texture, you can use a hand mixer or potato ricer instead of a traditional masher, adding the milk gradually to avoid over-thinning.
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes (Side Dish) Recipe is a colorful and flavorful way to brighten up any meal. Once you try it, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s comforting, nutritious, and downright fun to serve. Give it a whirl and watch it quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Quick & Easy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes (Side Dish) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This quick and easy mashed purple sweet potatoes recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful side dish that combines creamy texture with warm spices and fresh herbs. Perfectly cooked and mashed, these purple ‘Stokes’ sweet potatoes are enhanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic powder, and topped with fresh parsley and green onion for a colorful accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 pounds purple “Stokes” sweet potatoes (roughly 2 large)
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup milk (cow’s milk or unsweetened, unflavoured dairy-free alternative, or cream)
- 1/4 cup butter (regular, unsalted or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
Garnish
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
Instructions
- Prep: Peel and wash the purple sweet potatoes. Cut them into roughly 1-inch thick cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot and add enough water to cover them completely. Cover the pot with a lid, turn the heat to high, and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, keep the pot covered, and let the potatoes simmer for about 15 minutes or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain: Turn off the heat and drain the water from the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
- Add Ingredients: To the drained potatoes, add the milk, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic powder, and season generously with salt.
- Mash: Use a potato masher to mash the sweet potatoes until your desired texture is reached. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more milk or butter if a creamier or thinner consistency is preferred.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and green onion for a fresh finish. Serve hot as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- You can use dairy-free milk and butter alternatives to make this recipe vegan.
- Adjust the garlic powder and spices according to your preference for milder or stronger flavor.
- For an extra creamy mash, consider heating the milk and butter before adding them to the potatoes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- If purple sweet potatoes are unavailable, regular orange sweet potatoes can be used, though the dish will have a different color and flavor.
