Simple Savory Mashed Sweet Potato
A truly comforting and healthy take on mashed sweet potatoes, this recipe skips the added sugars and dairy, letting the natural sweetness of the potato shine through with savory garlic and fresh herbs.
For 4 servings
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water.
Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-high and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and easily pierced.
Carefully drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Allow them to sit in the colander for 1-2 minutes to steam dry, ensuring no excess water remains.
Return the drained sweet potatoes to the empty pot. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, chopped fresh rosemary, remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
Using a potato masher, mash the sweet potatoes until mostly smooth. For an extra creamy texture, you can use a potato ricer.
Gradually add the warmed unsweetened almond milk (or vegetable broth), starting with 1/4 cup, while continuing to mash until your desired creamy consistency is reached. Add more liquid a tablespoon at a time if you prefer a looser mash.
Taste the mashed sweet potatoes and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or a pinch more garlic powder to your preference.
Transfer the savory mashed sweet potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh chopped chives, if desired, and serve immediately as a delicious side dish.
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 watery and harder to mash to a fluffy consistency. Cook just until fork-tender.
- 2Drain thoroughly: Excess water is the enemy of creamy mashed potatoes. Let them steam dry in the colander for a few minutes after draining.
- 3Warm your liquid: Adding warm milk or broth instead of cold helps maintain the temperature of the mash and incorporates more smoothly.
- 4Use a ricer: For the smoothest, lump-free mash, a potato ricer is your best friend. If you don't have one, a sturdy potato masher works perfectly well.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoky & Spicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the garlic powder for a smoky, spicy kick.
Herby & BrightHerby & Bright
Swap rosemary for fresh thyme or sage, and stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice at the end for a brighter flavor profile.
Caramelized OnionCaramelized Onion
Sauté 1/2 cup of thinly sliced onions until deeply caramelized, then stir them into the mashed sweet potatoes for a rich, sweet, and savory addition.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A, essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.
High in Fiber
The significant fiber content in sweet potatoes supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, and contributes to feelings of fullness.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Packed with antioxidants, sweet potatoes help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash more almond milk or broth if needed to restore creaminess, or in the microwave.
