Maple mashed sweet potatoes are a delightful side dish combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with maple syrup's rich, creamy flavor. It's a personal favorite, perfect for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. The mix of tender sweet potatoes, butter, and cinnamon creates a comforting, indulgent dish.
This recipe intrigued me with its use of maple syrup in mashed sweet potatoes. Initially using brown sugar, I found maple syrup's distinct flavor adds a unique depth of sweetness. It's not overly sweet but has a subtle maple hint.
I learned the importance of fresh herbs in this dish. Adding fresh thyme or rosemary elevates it, balancing the sweetness and making a significant difference.
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Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes — 4 medium-sized, peeled and cube
- Butter — 4 tablespoons, unsalted
- Maple syrup — ¼ cup
- Heavy cream — ¼ cup
- Cinnamon — ½ teaspoon
- Salt — ½ teaspoon
Instructions
- Boil peeled, cubed sweet potatoes until fork-tender (15-20 minutes).
- Drain and add butter, maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mash until smooth, avoiding overmixing.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt or maple syrup if desired.
- Serve garnished with maple syrup and fresh thyme or rosemary.
Substitutions
- Maple syrup — Substitute with honey or brown sugar.
- Heavy cream — Use whole milk or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Cinnamon — Experiment with nutmeg or allspice.
Dietary Restrictions
- Gluten-free — Naturally gluten-free.
- Vegetarian — Suitable for vegetarians.
Variations
- Savory twist — Omit syrup and cinnamon; add garlic powder, fresh herbs, and black pepper.
- Crunchy topping — Add toasted pecans or crispy bacon bits.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Potato masher or electric mixer
- Serving dish
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Toss cubed sweet potatoes in maple syrup and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Gently fold in butter, cream, cinnamon, and salt.
- Let the mashed sweet potatoes rest for a few minutes after mashing.
- Adjust sweetness and seasoning to taste.
Thanksgiving Delight: Creamy Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Potato masher or electric mixer
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized Sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons Butter unsalted
- ¼ cup Maple syrup
- ¼ cup Heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and salt.
- Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a gluey texture.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or maple syrup if desired.
- Transfer the maple mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary, if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes — Opt for fresh sweet potatoes rather than canned ones for the best flavor and texture. Fresh sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness that can't be replicated.
- Gently toss and let them sit — After peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes, gently toss them in the maple syrup and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the sweet potatoes to release their natural juices and develop a luscious syrup.
- Fold in the ingredients — When folding in the butter, heavy cream, cinnamon, and salt, use a gentle hand. This ensures the mixture remains light and airy, which is essential for the end texture.
- Allow the mashed sweet potatoes to rest — After mashing the sweet potatoes, allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes. This relaxation step allows the flavors to meld together and results in a smoother consistency.
- Adjust the sweetness and seasoning — Taste the mashed sweet potatoes and adjust the sweetness or seasoning according to your preference. Add more maple syrup for a sweeter dish or a pinch of salt for a savory balance.
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