Sweet potatoes, like most root vegetables, are not very exciting by themselves, which may be why they usually get dressed-up with marshmallows or brown sugar. I have never been a fan of sweet food during dinner, so like this more sassy than sweet version of Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Roasted Garlic.
Building on a savory sweet potato recipe I discovered in Cooks Illustrated, roasted garlic fits with mashed sweet potatoes like a hand in a glove. The subtle nuttiness of the roasted garlic creates a sweet and savory side dish to accompany hearty meats or delicate seafood. Not just for holiday dinners, the natural goodness of sweet potatoes belongs on the table any night of the week.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Roasted Garlic
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes (lightest color)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 small garlic bulb (6-8 cloves) -- roasted
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Peel and cut sweet potatoes into equal pieces approximately 1/4" thick. Combine sweet potatoes, cream, butter, and salt in a saucepan. Cover and cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes or until potatoes are soft and tender. (That's right, no boiling in water first, this braising technique works great with less fuss when it's time to mash them.) Try not to lift the lid to check for at least 30 minutes. If the potatoes are not tender after 30 minutes, stir and replace the lid for 10 more minutes or until tender.
- Roast garlic by cutting the top of the bulb off, exposing the tops of the garlic cloves; place in a small oven safe dish, drizzle oil over garlic bulb and roast in oven at 375° for 30 minutes or until garlic is fragrant, lightly browned, and soft. Allow to cool until easy to handle. To remove the roasted garlic from the bulb, squeeze the bulb at the bottom releasing the cloves out the cut end. Cloves should pop right out.
- Once the potatoes are soft and tender, add roasted garlic directly into pan of sweet potatoes and smash together with a potato masher for a chunky texture, or use a hand mixer to whip to desired consistency. Season with pepper and serve in a warmed bowl or keep warm in the oven in a covered casserole dish until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
More Savory Sweet Potato Recipes:
Savory Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Savory Breakfast Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Sausage and Sunny Eggs
Sweet Potato Home Fries: Make Your Own Convenience Food
Sweet Potato Hash Browns: Extra-Ordinary Breakfast Food
Joy says
This was a good transition recipe for my family who weren’t sure about sweet potatoes but liked this!
Lisa says
It sounds great and I want to try it out! When you add the garlic to the potatoes, was the cream drained or incorporated?
thanks!
Judy Purcell says
Hi Lisa,
The great thing about this recipe is that the butter and cream are already there, ready to incorporate, no need to drain or add more. Once tender, just start mashing with the roasted garlic. I hope you like it, please let me know either way. 🙂
rsmacaalay says
Wow what a good alternative to the classic mashed potatoes. Yummy!