This mashed sweet potato dish is a warm hug in a bowl! With creamy texture and a hint of garlic, it’s both sweet and savory. Perfect as a side for any meal!
I can’t help but keep coming back for more. The garlic adds such a nice kick! It’s super easy to whip up and even better as leftovers. Who doesn’t love tasty simplicity?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes without blemishes. If you’re in a pinch, orange-fleshed yams can be a good substitution, but check the sweetness level if you use them.
Garlic: Fresh garlic holds a strong flavor and gives a wonderful kick. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used as a substitute (1/8 tsp per clove), but some flavor will be lost.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt content. If you’re dairy-free, try using olive oil or a vegan butter substitute for a similar richness.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess, but if you’re seeking a healthier choice, feel free to use low-fat milk or even broth. For a vegan version, almond milk or oat milk work well.
How Do I Get Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
Mashing sweet potatoes to a perfect creamy texture is all about technique! Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook until tender: Ensure the sweet potatoes and garlic are fork-tender after boiling; this makes mashing easier.
- Mash while warm: Mashing them when they’re warm prevents them from getting gummy. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer for smoothness.
- Add liquid gradually: Pour in the heavy cream or milk bit by bit while mashing. This helps control consistency and prevents them from becoming too runny.
Lastly, seasoned to your taste—don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. It’s that simple to achieve creamy and flavorful mashed sweet potatoes!
Mashed Sweet Potato With Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3-4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious mashed sweet potato dish takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, easy, and brings comfort to any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes and Garlic:
Start by placing the peeled and cut sweet potatoes along with the garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover them with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. This will help soften the sweet potatoes and garlic perfectly!
2. Cook Until Tender:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer. You want to cook the sweet potatoes until they’re very tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, carefully drain the water. Now, you’re just a few steps away from mashing bliss!
3. Start Mashing:
Return the drained sweet potatoes and garlic back to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add in the unsalted butter, which gives a lovely richness, and begin to mash everything together using a potato masher or a hand mixer until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Creamy Consistency:
While mashing, gradually pour in the heavy cream (or milk) until you reach your desired texture. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the flavors. It should be creamy and delicious!
5. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your beautiful mashed sweet potatoes to a serving bowl. For that extra touch, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley on top. A drizzle of melted butter or a few whole garlic cloves can also make it look inviting!
6. Enjoy!
Serve the mashed sweet potatoes warm and enjoy this comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with any meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute other potatoes, like Yukon gold or red potatoes, but it will change the flavor and texture. Sweet potatoes give that unique sweetness and creaminess that’s hard to replicate!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, in place of heavy cream. It will still be creamy and delicious!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed sweet potatoes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating!