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Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Herbs, Green Onion, and Garlic Recipe

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4.1 from 72 reviews

This savory mashed sweet potatoes recipe offers a flavorful, herb-infused twist on the classic side dish. Made without the usual marshmallows or brown sugar, it combines tender mashed sweet potatoes with fresh green onions, parsley, garlic, sour cream, and butter for a rich, comforting accompaniment perfect for any meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

  • 4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 7 small-to-medium), peeled and cut into 1″ cubes
  • 2 teaspoons salt, divided

Herbs and Aromatics

  • ⅓ cup finely sliced green onion, mostly green parts (from 1 bunch)
  • ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 small-to-medium garlic clove, pressed or minced

Dairy and Fat

  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons butter, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

Seasoning

  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large saucepan or Dutch oven and add enough water to cover by about 1 inch. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and bring the water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, until the potatoes are tender enough to easily pierce with a fork, about 9 to 12 minutes.
  2. Drain and Mash: Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes to your preferred consistency, whether smooth or slightly chunky.
  3. Add Herbs and Dairy: Quickly mix in most of the green onion and parsley, reserving a small amount of each for garnish. Add the pressed garlic and stir to blend the flavors. Then, fold in most of the sour cream (reserve about 1 tablespoon for garnishing), all of the cubed butter, and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding an extra ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving bowl. Swirl the reserved sour cream on top with a spoon, sprinkle with the reserved green onion and parsley, drizzle lightly with extra-virgin olive oil, and finish with a fresh crack of black pepper. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
  5. Storage: Leftover mashed sweet potatoes can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Notes

  • Make it dairy free/vegan by substituting sour cream with vegan sour cream and replacing butter with extra-virgin olive oil to taste.
  • Greek yogurt can be used as an alternative to sour cream, though sour cream is preferred for its tangy flavor in savory dishes.
  • This recipe is best served fresh but reheats well in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth for added moisture.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian