Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of India! These Indian Spiced Mashed Sweet Potatoes are not just a side dish – they're a culinary adventure that will elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent. Imagine creamy, golden sweet potatoes infused with warm, aromatic spices that dance on your palate, creating a symphony of flavor that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the sweet potatoes. Wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler, then cut them into large, even-sized cubes to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the potatoes. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the sweet potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You can check their doneness by piercing a cube with a fork; it should slide in easily.
- While the sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare the spice mixture. In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric to the melted butter. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aromatic flavors. Be careful not to burn the spices.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot. Add the spiced butter mixture to the sweet potatoes, along with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the sweet potatoes until they reach your desired level of creaminess. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an electric hand mixer for a few seconds.
- After mashing, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if necessary. If you like, you can add a little more butter for richness.
- Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve the Indian spiced mashed sweet potatoes warm as a side dish with your favorite Indian main courses, such as dal or curry. Enjoy!
Tips
- Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without any soft spots or bruises for the best texture.
- Spice blooming technique: When toasting the spices in butter, watch carefully and stir constantly to prevent burning. This process releases the maximum flavor of the cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
- Texture matters: For a rustic feel, use a potato masher. For ultra-smooth potatoes, use an electric mixer, but be careful not to over-mix, which can make them gluey.
- Seasoning secret: Taste as you go! Add salt and pepper gradually, ensuring the spice blend is perfectly balanced.
- Garnish generously: Fresh cilantro isn't just a decoration – it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, spiced sweet potatoes.
- Make-ahead tip: These mashed sweet potatoes can be prepared in advance and gently reheated, making them perfect for meal prep or dinner parties.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with roasted meats, dal, or as part of a vegetarian Indian feast for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
