Savory Greek Yogurt Sweet Potato Mash
This Savory Greek Yogurt Sweet Potato Mash offers a delightful twist on a classic, transforming sweet potatoes into a creamy, protein-rich side dish without any added sugar. It's a healthy and satisfying alternative perfect for any meal.
For 4 servings
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Place the cubes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potato cubes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Carefully drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Return the drained sweet potatoes to the hot, empty pot and let them sit for 1-2 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, to allow any remaining excess moisture to steam off. This step is crucial for a non-watery mash.
Remove the pot from the heat. Add the unsalted butter (if using), olive oil, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper to the sweet potatoes. Mash with a potato masher or a large fork until mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps if desired for texture.
Stir in the plain full-fat Greek yogurt and finely chopped chives until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the mash gummy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Serve the Savory Greek Yogurt Sweet Potato Mash immediately as a warm side dish. Garnish with extra fresh chives or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't Overcook: While you want them tender, overcooking sweet potatoes can make them absorb too much water, leading to a watery mash. Cook just until fork-tender.
- 2Steam Dry Thoroughly: The step of returning the drained potatoes to the hot pot is key. This evaporates excess moisture, ensuring a creamy, not watery, consistency.
- 3Adjust Consistency: If your mash is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of warm milk or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, ensure you've drained well and consider adding a small amount of potato flakes (unflavored) to absorb moisture.
- 4Serve Warm: This mash is best served warm. If making ahead, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk if it has thickened.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Mash
Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese along with the Greek yogurt for an extra savory kick.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Experiment with other fresh herbs like finely chopped dill, parsley, or rosemary (use sparingly) instead of or in addition to chives.
Roasted Garlic InfusionRoasted Garlic Infusion
Instead of garlic powder, mash in 1-2 cloves of roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Fiber
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin C, and dietary fiber, supporting vision, immunity, and digestive health.
High in Protein
The addition of Greek yogurt significantly boosts the protein content, contributing to satiety and muscle repair.
Probiotic Benefits
Plain Greek yogurt contains live and active cultures (probiotics) that can support a healthy gut microbiome and improve digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can prepare this mash up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk if it has thickened.
