Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes
The first step in mashing sweet potatoes is choosing the right ones. Look for sweet potatoes that are relatively uniform in shape and size, without any large bruises, cracks, or blemishes. A good rule of thumb is that the smaller the sweet potato, the sweeter and more tender it will be when cooked. Opt for ones that are about the size of your hand or smaller.
Cooking the Sweet Potatoes
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, and then prick each one all over with a fork. This will allow steam to escape while they cook. Next, place the sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling water. The water should cover the sweet potatoes by about an inch. Boil the sweet potatoes until they are tender enough to pierce easily with a knife, which will take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on their size. Once they are done, drain them well.
Mashing with a Masher
Mashing sweet potatoes is easy once they are cooked. You can use a potato masher, a fork or even a blender. If you have a potato masher at your disposal, place your cooked sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Using the masher, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth, leaving some small chunks for texture if you’d like. Add a tablespoon of butter or cream cheese (or both!) to moisten and flavor the mashed sweet potatoes, and mash again until fully incorporated.
Adjusting the Consistency
If you find your mashed sweet potatoes are too dry or too wet, you can still adjust the consistency. If they are too dry, add a bit more butter or cream cheese, or a splash of milk, and mix well. If they are too wet, transfer them to a baking dish and place them in a 350°F oven until they thicken up and form a crust. Check on them every 10 minutes or so, until they reach the desired consistency.
Experimenting with Flavors
Finally, once you have the basic technique down, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors to personalize your mashed sweet potatoes. Add a touch of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, or maple syrup to enhance the sweetness, or try savory flavors like garlic, rosemary, thyme, or grated Parmesan for a different spin. Mashed sweet potatoes are a versatile side dish that can complement any meal, and once you have this basic technique down, you can easily create a recipe that is perfect for you!
