Garlic & Ginger Sweet Potato Mash - Easy Vegan Recipe (2024)

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Ginger and garlic mashed sweet potatoes are smooth and flavorful with a creamy texture! They are an easy side dish that’s perfect for the holidays or any day.

Garlic & Ginger Sweet Potato Mash - Easy Vegan Recipe (1)

Unlike a lot of sweet potato side dish recipes, which have brown sugar, this is a savory sweet potato recipe. Instead, this sweet potato mash is made with garlic, cinnamon, and ginger to enhance the naturally sweet flavor of sweet potatoes.

If you are looking for something a little sweeter, try our 5 ingredients sweet potato casserole which is lightly sweetened with maple syrup.

Why you will love this recipe

  • It’s an easy recipe made with a few simple ingredients
  • It’s healthy! Sweet potatoes are filled with vitamins, minerals and fiber and there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Garlic & Ginger Sweet Potato Mash - Easy Vegan Recipe (2)

Here is what you will need

This is an overview of the ingredients and steps to make this recipe; scroll down for a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions.

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🛒Ingredients

  • Sweet potatoes
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Coconut milk or regular milk
  • Coconut oil or butter
  • Cinnamon

🥄Equipment

How to make ginger garlic mashed sweet potatoes

Prepare: preheat the oven to 425 degrees f. Rinse, pat dry and poke holes in the sweet potatoes. Once the oven is hot, place the sweet potatoes into the oven and bake until they are soft inside which should be about 50 minutes.

Chop the garlic and grate the ginger with a Microplane grater.

Garlic & Ginger Sweet Potato Mash - Easy Vegan Recipe (3)

Step 1. Prepare the milk

While the sweet potatoes are baking, add the coconut oil to a saucepan with the garlic and ginger. Cook over medium heat for about a minute or two until the butter begins to soften. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the coconut milk and cinnamon. Cook for 30 minutes over low heat occasionally serving.

Step 2. Mash the sweet potatoes

Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool off. Slice the cooled sweet potatoes in half. Remove the pulp and place it into a bowl. Gradually add the milk mixture while mashing the sweet potatoes.

Garlic & Ginger Sweet Potato Mash - Easy Vegan Recipe (4)

Ingredient notes and substitutions

The complete list of ingredients to make this tasty side dish is above. Below are notes about some of the ingredients, along with ideas for substitutes.

Sweet potatoes – there are several varieties of sweet potatoes and they vary in color (yellow, red, purple, brown, and white sweet potatoes).

Any variety can be used, we like to use the orange sweet potatoes which are the most popular because they are softer and sweeter than other varieties.

Milk – I use coconut milk in this recipe to complement the coconut oil. Any plant-based milk or regular milk can be used to make this ginger garlic sweet potato mash.

Coconut oil – Adds creamy flavor and we love the way it compliments the ginger giving this sweet potato mash a bit of a tropical flavor. If you prefer butter, an equal amount of butter can be easily substituted for coconut oil. You can also replace coconut oil with an equal amount of olive oil.

How to store leftover ginger and garlic sweet potato mash

Leftover ginger and garlic sweet potato mash will last in the refrigerator for up to three days stored in an airtight container.

Reheat leftover sweet potato mash in the microwave, oven or on top of the stove over low heat.

Make ahead instructions

This is a great recipe to make ahead of time. Follow the instructions on the recipe card to make the sweet potato mash. Cover and refrigerate for up to two days.

About an hour before serving, remove the sweet potatoes from the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place the room temperature sweet potatoes in a covered dish and into a preheated oven until they are heated through.

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What to serve with ginger garlic sweet potato mash

Savory mashed sweet potatoes are not just for holiday dinners. They are the perfect side dish for roast chicken, pork chops, turkey meatloaf, orange cranberry chicken or cranberry turkey meatballs.

For extra flavor, garnish your sweet potato mash with a sprinkle of black pepper green onion, chopped walnuts or pecans.

Recipe variations

Spicy ginger and garlic sweet potato mash – Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon to taste to the sweet potato mash for spicy sweet potatoes.

Tropical sweet potato mash – Add a splash of fresh lime juice and 1/2 teaspoon to the sweet mash for a tropical flare.

Sweet potato mash with garlic and milk – Use equal amounts of regular milk and unsalted butter instead of coconut milk and coconut oil.

Fresh herbs – Add a few teaspoons of chopped herbs such as fresh rosemary, or fresh thyme.

💡Tips

  • Use a food processor, stand mixer or hand mixer to mash the sweet potatoes instead of a potato masher for a smooth consistency.
  • Make sure the milk mixture cooks low and slow to prevent burning and for the best flavor.

Can you make mashed sweet potatoes with boiled sweet potatoes?

You can easily make mashed sweet potatoes by boiling them. Rinse, peel and chop the sweet potatoes and place them into a large pot of water, making sure there is enough water to cover them. Cover and cook the sweet potatoes over medium heat until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the water from the sweet potatoes and follow the instructions in the recipe card.

Are sweet potatoes healthy?

Yes, sweet potatoes are extremely healthy. They are rich in nutrients, and fiber and considered low glycemic.

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Have you tried these healthy recipes?

  • Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (No Drain)
  • Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Apples

Do you like this recipe?
Please comment and give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

Garlic & Ginger Sweet Potato Mash - Easy Vegan Recipe (6)

Ginger Sweet Potato Mash

Ginger and garlic mashed sweet potatoes is savory sweet potato dish that is flavored without added sugar.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Click on serving size to scale this recipe

Course: Side Dish Recipes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: garlic sweet potato mash, sweet potato mash

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 236kcal

Author: Anne

Scale this Recipe 4 people

Ingredients

  • 3 sweet potatoes medium sized
  • 3 cloves garlic roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger chopped
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon of unrefined coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees f

  • Chop the 3 cloves of garlic and the ginger; set aside

  • Clean the potatoes, and pierce them with a fork

  • Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. They should be soft when you pierce them with a fork.

  • While the sweet potatoes are baking, add the coconut oil to a sauce pan with garlic and ginger; cook about a minute until they begin to soften.

  • Add the coconut milk and cinnamon and reduce the heat to low and cook for 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.

  • Once the sweet potatoes cooked remove them from the oven and allow them to cool off. Once they are cool enough to handle slice them open and use a spoon to scoop out the pulp and place it in a mixing bowl.

  • Pour half of the milk mixture over the sweet potatoes and mash them using a potato masher. Gradually contineu dd the milk mixture to the potatoes as you blend them until they reach a texture that you like.

Notes

Store leftover mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

See the article above for recipe tips, variations and more.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Sodium: 98mg | Potassium: 645mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 24049IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Check out more of our Side Dish Recipes here!

Garlic & Ginger Sweet Potato Mash - Easy Vegan Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make Ina Garten mashed sweet potatoes? ›

Place the sweet potato meat into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and add the orange juice, cream, butter, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix together until combined but not smooth and transfer to a baking dish. Bake the potatoes for 20 to 30 minutes, until heated through.

Why do you soak sweet potatoes before baking? ›

The cold water bath helps rinse the starch off the sweet potatoes so they're a bit more crispy.

Do sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes? ›

Sweet potatoes have a medium GI value, around 60 and White potatoes have a high GI score at 76. The glycemic index is based on a scale of how quickly a food causes your blood sugar levels to increase. The scale lists foods that have a rating of: 50 or less as low.

Can we boil sweet potato? ›

Cut into eighths and place in a large pot. Add enough water to just cover the potatoes, and a pinch of salt. Boil sweet potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork. It will take less time if you cut the sweet potatoes into smaller pieces.

Why not to boil sweet potatoes? ›

Despite their sweet taste, these potatoes have an intermediate glycemic index (GI) level, meaning they are digested and absorbed fairly slowly, leading to a more gradual increase in blood sugar levels. But, a lot of these benefits, including nutrients and taste, can be lost by boiling sweet potatoes.

Is it better to boil sweet potatoes or bake sweet potatoes? ›

Baking can also cause an 80% drop in vitamin A levels, twice as much as boiling. Therefore, from a nutritional standpoint, boiling rather than baking should be recommended for cooking sweet potato.

Should sweet potatoes be peeled before baking? ›

Removing the skins removes some of the nutrients from the potato, so don't peel them if you're making healthy sweet potato recipes. The skin also helps the inside stay moist as the potato cooks.

Should sweet potatoes be soaked in water before baking? ›

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: The main secrets to achieving that incredible crispy texture, is to soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove the starch from the sweet potatoes so they´re not limp & soggy.

Is it OK to soak sweet potatoes in water overnight? ›

Types of Potatoes to Soak

"Sweet potatoes can also be peeled and stored in water for up to 24 hours."

Which is healthier sweet potato or yam? ›

Although both veggies are very close in fiber, protein, vitamin C, and magnesium, sweet potatoes are the healthier option because they are lower in overall calories, lower in carbohydrates, and higher in beta carotene (vitamin A).

What is the healthiest way to eat sweet potato? ›

Boiling sweet potatoes retains more beta-carotene and makes the nutrient more absorbable than other cooking methods such as baking or frying. Up to 92% of the nutrient can be retained by limiting the cook time, such as boiling in a pot with a tightly covered lid for 20 minutes.

Is a sweet potato a carb or protein? ›

Sweet potatoes are mainly composed of carbs. Most of the carbs come from starch, followed by fiber. This root vegetable is also relatively low in protein but still an important protein source in many developing countries.

Should I cut sweet potatoes before boiling? ›

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into 2-inch cubes or 1-inch cubes. Add the cubed potatoes to a large pot of water. Add salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue cooking the sweet potatoes until fork tender.

Is it healthier to microwave or boil sweet potatoes? ›

All cooking methods cause foods to lose some of their nutrients, but the quicker your potato cooks, the more nutrients it will retain. Baking a sweet potato in the microwave preserves far more nutrients (folate, vitamins A and C) than boiling it, for example.

What to do with water after boiling sweet potatoes? ›

Drinking the leftover water from boiling sweet potatoes could be the next slimming aid, according to new research Japanese researchers fed two groups of mice high fat diets, giving one higher levels of sweet potato peptide (SPP) - produced by enzyme digestion of proteins in the water during the boiling process.

Should I peel sweet potatoes before boiling? ›

Do I Need to Peel Before Boiling? You do not need to peel sweet potatoes before boiling. If leaving the peel on, you will need to pierce the skin of the potato with a fork a few times. Also, boiling a sweet potato with the peel will require slightly more time for it to cook through.

How to cook sweet potatoes Martha Stewart? ›

Scrub and pat potatoes dry. Pierce potatoes all over with the tines of a fork and bake in oven, directly on rack, until soft and caramelizing, 1 1/2 hours. Slash the tops of potatoes open with the tip of a sharp knife and push ends of each potato toward each other to open.

How do you make mashed sweet potatoes less stringy? ›

Food Processor: Use a food processor for the smoothest, silkiest mashed sweet potatoes. How do you make mashed sweet potatoes less stringy? The secret to make mashed sweet potatoes less stringy is to use a food processor to mash the potatoes.

How do you keep sweet potato mash from getting watery? ›

Besides flour added to thicken mash potatoes that you have gotten too thin, you can add some instant potatoes. This is what I would do. I also add instant potatoes to thicken soup when it is too 'runny' for my taste. Not a lot, a little will do it very nicely.

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