Ah, sweet potatoes—nature’s candy, right? There’s just something about their creamy texture that makes them the perfect canvas for a garlic mash. I mean, who would’ve thought combining earthy sweetness with a garlic punch could be so addictive? Every bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly day—pure bliss!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Clean the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pierce them with a fork to create steam holes. Wrap each potato in aluminum foil.
- Trim the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves. Place the garlic on foil, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and wrap it up securely.
- Arrange the foil-wrapped sweet potatoes and garlic on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven, removing the garlic after 35 minutes, and continue roasting the potatoes for another 25-35 minutes until tender.
- Let the sweet potatoes cool until you can handle them comfortably. Unwrap and peel the skins off, which should come off easily.
- Place the peeled sweet potatoes in a large bowl and mash them slightly. Extract a few roasted garlic cloves, mash them with a fork, and add to the sweet potatoes.
- Incorporate butter, milk, salt, and pepper into the mash. Continue to mash until you reach your desired consistency.
- Alternatively, combine all ingredients in a food processor for a smoother texture. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Ingredients
- 5 sweet potatoes
- 1 head of garlic
- ? cup milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for serving
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 795kcal | Carbohydrates: 115g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 2020mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 30g
FAQ
- Can I use different types of sweet potatoes for this recipe?
- Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and works well with yams or Japanese sweet potatoes, offering a slightly different flavor and texture.
- What is the distinction between sweet potatoes and yams?
- In the United States, the terms “sweet potato” and “yam” are often used interchangeably, though they are technically different vegetables.
- How can I prepare roasted garlic mashed sweet potatoes ahead of time?
- You can roast the sweet potatoes and garlic in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They are easy to reheat in the oven or microwave when needed.
- How can I involve my children in making this dish?
- Kids can participate in various steps, such as washing the sweet potatoes, adding ingredients, and mashing the potatoes. Older children can help with peeling and mashing the garlic, making it a fun and educational activity.
- What are some serving suggestions for roasted garlic mashed sweet potatoes?
- This dish pairs wonderfully with holiday meals featuring ham or turkey. It also complements everyday dinners, such as grilled steak, spicy pork chops, or roasted pulled pork.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Opt for firm sweet potatoes without blemishes, fresh garlic without sprouts, and use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Roast garlic with care: Slice the top off the garlic head just enough to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil before roasting. This enhances the garlic’s flavor, making it sweet and mellow.
- Prep sweet potatoes properly: Poke holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork before roasting to allow steam to escape, ensuring they cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Consider using a food processor: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the roasted sweet potatoes, garlic, milk, butter, salt, and pepper in a food processor instead of mashing them by hand.
Equipment
- Rimmed Baking Sheet – A sturdy baking sheet with rims to hold the sweet potatoes and garlic securely during roasting.
- Food Processor – Optional but useful if you choose to blend the ingredients for a smoother consistency.
- Mixing Bowl – A large bowl for mashing the sweet potatoes with other ingredients.
