Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (Vegan)

Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any fall or winter holiday meal. Made with just 2 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes, they’re simple, healthy, and super delicious! This sweet potato mash recipe is a great base for making sweet or savory mashed sweet potatoes. Vegan and gluten-free.

Ah, the humble sweet potato. This amazing little starchy root vegetable with bright orange flesh is a nutrition powerhouse. They’re rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. And, they’re also high in antioxidants that protect our bodies from free radical damage and chronic disease.

So, why aren’t we eating more of them?!?

I think it’s because everyone usually views sweet potatoes as one of the many side dish recipes that make a once-a-year appearance on our Thanksgiving table.

And, even then it’s usually in the form of sweet potato casserole, savory sweet potato fries, baked sweet potato, or delicious sweet potato pie. All amazing recipes for sure, but couldn’t we use one more? I think so.

Personally, I think they’re perfect year-round and make an awesome main course. But, I digress.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you mashed sweet potatoes!

I know, I know. Mashed potatoes are usually made with white potatoes and covered in gravy. But, even if you are not a fan of sweet potatoes you will love this recipe. It’s so versatile, healthy, super simple, and has such a rich and creamy texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need two ingredients to make this delicious side dish.

• Sweet potatoes: I prefer medium to large sweet potatoes. They’re easier to peel and you don’t have to use as many.
• Non-dairy milk: Cashew milk is my favorite in this recipe but you can use your favorite non-dairy milk. (almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk)

How To Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes

There are several different ways you can prepare your sweet potatoes before mashing them. My personal favorite is to boil them because I think that’s the best way to get really creamy sweet potatoes. So, that’s the method I’ll list in the recipe card down below. But, for your convenience, I’ll list a few of the other popular procedures as well.

1. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-2″ chunks and bring a large pot of 4-6 cups of water to a boil.
2. Using tongs, carefully place potatoes in the boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.
3. Drain the sweet potatoes in a colander and place the potatoes in a large bowl. Add the non-dairy milk and mash potatoes until you reach the right consistency. Add the desired seasonings(see below) and stir well to combine.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy!

Flavor Variations

The naturally sweet flavor of the potatoes is amazing on its own with just a little salt and pepper. But, sweet potatoes are amazing with both sweet and savory seasonings.

Using just a few simple ingredients you can enhance the flavor of this sweet potatoes recipe.

• Warm spices like ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice with a little maple syrup and orange zest are perfect for creating sweeter mashed potatoes. And, will just about satisfy any sweet tooth.
• If you prefer a more savory flavor add vegan parmesan cheese, thyme, sage, paprika, with some salt and black pepper is absolutely amazing. A scoop of vegan sour cream is a great addition. It adds a tanginess and amazing depth of flavor to this version.

Other Cooking Methods & Equipment

• Steam: Place a steamer basket or colander in a large pot or dutch oven. Add water until it reaches 1 inch below the bottom of the basket. Place the sweet potatoes in the steamer basket and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium and allow the potatoes to steam until you can insert a paring knife and there’s no resistance, about 30 minutes.
• Instant Pot: An electric pressure cooker is a quicker method. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1″ chunks, add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot, lock the lid, select high pressure, press manual, and set the timer for 10 minutes. Once they’re done release the pressure then mash the potatoes. Done.
• Roast: This method takes a lot of time and is not my preferred choice. But, if you must…cut the sweet potatoes into small pieces, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and roast in a 425˚F preheated oven for 30-40 minutes. Again, the potatoes should be easily pierced with a knife or fork with no resistance.
• Immersion Blender: You will get a much smoother texture than a potato masher, but not as smooth as a food processor.
• Hand Mixer or Electric Mixer: Perfect for making creamy potatoes.
• Food Processor: This will give you super-smooth potatoes. But, over-processing will give you a more gummy consistency.

Tips and Suggestions

• Sweet Potatoes vs. Yams: Sweet potatoes and yams are not the same. True yams are a starchy edible root of the Dioscorea genus and are generally imported to America from the Caribbean. They’re rough and scaly, very low in beta carotene, and not very sweet. Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes are almost always sweeter than yams. They have a versatile flavor profile easily altered by cooking methods. And, are usually orange or white in appearance.
• Sweet potato skins: sweet potato skins are healthy and can be left on the potato especially if you like a chunkier texture. I usually leave them on most of the time.
• For savory mashed sweet potatoes garnish with fresh herbs right before serving.
• If making sweeter mashed sweet potatoes try topping with roasted maple pecans or dried cranberries.

Storage

Place leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Try These Vegan Thanksgiving Dishes

• The Best Vegan Green Bean Casserole
• Vegan Creamed Corn
• Vegan Maple Glazed Ham
• The Best Vegan Stuffing
• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

More Sweet Potato Recipes

• Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
• Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
• Tahini and Chocolate Chip Baked Sweet Potato
• Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie
• Hearty Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

You are going to love this mashed sweet potatoes recipe. It’s a simple and tasty side dish that’s perfect for the holiday season and your Thanksgiving dinner table.

I hope you enjoy this Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe. Please leave a comment below with a star rating. And, be sure and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #shaneandsimple. I want to see your work. Enjoy!

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