Simple And Tasty Mashed Sweet Potatoes
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, sweet potatoes are going on sale for next to nothing. These hearty vegetables are sweet and flavorful and can make a great addition to nearly any meal. Whether you are looking for a traditional Thanksgiving side dish or a great addition to family meals you can not go wrong with these simple and tasty mashed sweet potatoes.
Masked sweet potatoes are a great base for adding your own twist on the flavor. From butter and thyme for a savory dish, to cinnamon and marshmallows for a sweet almost desert-like addition to the table the options are as endless as your imagination.
Why sweet potatoes are good for you
What you need to make mashed sweet potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to make mashed sweet potatoes
Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks.
Place the chopped sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the sweet potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
Add the butter and brown sugar (if using) to the pot with the sweet potatoes.
Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they reach your desired consistency. If you like your mashed sweet potatoes smoother, you can use a hand mixer or a food processor.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
Serve hot as a side dish.
Ways to use leftover mashed sweet potatoes
Embracing leftovers in the kitchen can lead to some of the most surprising and delectable creations. Case in point: mashed sweet potatoes. Whether you whipped up a big batch for a holiday feast or simply had some extra after a weeknight dinner, there are countless ways to transform this humble side dish into something extraordinary.
Sweet Potato Pancakes or Waffles: Incorporate mashed sweet potatoes into your pancake or waffle batter for a nutritious and flavorful breakfast.
Sweet Potato Soup: Use mashed sweet potatoes as a base for a creamy sweet potato soup. Add broth, seasonings, and any desired additional ingredients.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi: Mix leftover mashed sweet potatoes with flour and egg to make a dough, then shape it into gnocchi. Boil or pan-fry them and serve with your favorite sauce.
Sweet Potato Muffins or Bread: Substitute some or all of the pumpkin or banana in a muffin or quick bread recipe with mashed sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
Sweet Potato Fritters: Combine mashed sweet potatoes with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, then form them into patties and pan-fry for delicious fritters.
Sweet Potato Quesadillas: Spread mashed sweet potatoes onto a tortilla, add cheese, and any other desired toppings. Fold it over and cook until crispy.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas: Use mashed sweet potatoes as a filling for enchiladas along with black beans, cheese, and your favorite enchilada sauce.
Sweet Potato and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: Mix mashed sweet potatoes with sautéed spinach, garlic, and cheese, then stuff into portobello mushroom caps and bake.
Sweet Potato and Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: Layer leftover mashed sweet potatoes over a mixture of cooked ground turkey, vegetables, and gravy, then bake until bubbly.
Sweet Potato Hummus: Blend mashed sweet potatoes with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice to make a unique and flavorful hummus.
Sweet Potato and Sausage Skillet: Cook crumbled sausage in a skillet, then stir in mashed sweet potatoes for a hearty and comforting one-pan meal.
Sweet Potato Breakfast Burrito: Spread mashed sweet potatoes onto a tortilla, add scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast ingredients, then roll it up.
