Thursday, March 10, 2011

Mashed Sweet Potatoes



When I was younger, the sweet potato rarely made an appearance in my life. I might see a candied yam once a year for Thanksgiving, but that was the closest I ever got to this orange spud. In fact, just this last year is the first time the sweet potato has become a common staple in our household, and thank goodness too! Not only is it versatile, sweet and totally delicious, it's also a fantastic source of fiber, and vitamins A, B, and C. Definitely something I can get behind, especially when I see my kids snarfing them down.

If you think regular mashed potatoes are a snap to make, just wait until you try these out. They take less time, require less work, and unlike regular mashed potatoes, they reheat really well (is it just me, or are regular mashed potatoes super gummy and dry the second time around). This is a fantastic side that will add a lot to your meal. Give the sweet potato a try!



Mashed Sweet Potatoes
By America's Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook (yes, I know I get redundant with my sources, but hey, when it's good, it's good!)

Ingredients

2 pounds sweet potatoes (4 small or 2 big) peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (I used dry)
1 teaspoon sugar (I used Splenda)
salt and pepper
6 tablespoons half and half warmed (I used fat-free)
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

1. Combine the sweet potatoes, water, thyme, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large saucepan. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes fall apart easily when poked with a fork and all of the liquid has been absorbed, 25 to 30 minutes (it look much less time for me, so check them often!)

2. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until just a few small lumps remain. Stir in the half and half and butter, season with salt and pepper to taste, serve.

Serves 6

Per 2/3 cup serving: 170 cal, 3.5g fat, 32g carb, 3g prot, 5g fiber

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mashed sweet potatoes are so delicious and my husband happens to love them much. I bet some spices would taste delicious in this creamy, delicious version.

Nisrine

chow and chatter said...

great idea I have never made mashed spuds with sweet potatoes

Diana's Cocina said...

Looks delicious and I love sweet potatoes. Much more exciting than regular mashed potatoes.

Pam said...

I love sweet potatoes but have never tried mashing them... great recipe.

Heather S-G said...

You know, I didn't like sweet potatoes at all as a kid...and now I can't get enough! This is a great mash :D

The Blonde Duck said...

I eat these at least once a week. LOVE them.

Reeni said...

I didn't eat many sweet potatoes as a kid either! Thank goodness I love them now - these look wonderful!

Natalie said...

oooh I like the idea of adding thyme in there! Can't wait to try!

Velva said...

Love, love sweet potatoes. The more mashed the better.

Velva

Cathy said...

I love sweet potatoes and sometimes just forget about them. Thanks for reminding me how delicious and easy they are.

Ann said...

Sweet potatoes are a nutritional superhero. They're so great for you. These look really wonderful! You've reminded me to have some. :)

Erica said...

YUM! I didn't eat sweet potatoes growing up either and LOVE them now. I've never made a mashed version- its on my list! Hope you and your family have a great weekend

Kristen said...

What a fantastic idea - I love sweet potatoes

Joanne said...

I went most of my life without eating sweet potatoes and now that I adore them so much, I can't imagine how I lived without them all this time! I love this mashed recipe...sounds so delicious!

Chris said...

These are one of Alexis favorites.

Katy ~ said...

I have sweet potatoes just waiting for some lovin' and I think this would be a delicious way to prepare them. Can't wait to try this Teresa. I know I'm going to be blessing you for sharing this one!!

TheIronYou said...

I tried this recipe: delicious! So far one of the best for mashed sweet potatoes, thank you for posting it.
I recently wrote an article on the health benefits of sweet potatoes: check it out http://www.theironyou.com/2011/04/sweet-potato-hollywoods-stars-favorite.html
Peace
TheIronYou