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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian