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.

Garlic & Ginger Sweet Potato Mash - Easy Vegan Recipe (5)

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.

Print Recipe Save to Grow Add to Collection Add to Shopping List

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 to thicken up sweet potato mash? ›

What can I do if my mashed sweet potatoes are too runny? If the mixture is too runny, cook it on low heat for a few minutes to evaporate some moisture, or add a bit more mashed sweet potato to thicken it up.

How to stop sweet potato mash from being watery? ›

Try draining the potatoes better next time And don't over beat/ blend but if you want to thicken them up Try some Wondra quick mix flour, corn starch Or some breadcrumbs . Actually sweet potatoes can be mashed without using marjorine or butter. Mashing without the use of butter or marjorine will make it thicker.

Is sweet potato mash healthier than normal mash? ›

Sweet potatoes are often touted as being healthier than white potatoes, but in reality, both types can be highly nutritious. While regular and sweet potatoes are comparable in their calorie, protein, and carb content, white potatoes provide more potassium, whereas sweet potatoes are incredibly high in vitamin A.

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.

Is cornstarch or flour better for thickening mashed potatoes? ›

Flour, cornstarch and even powdered milk can thicken mashed potatoes quickly. Gradually stir a teaspoon of one of these commonly found thickening agents into your mashed potatoes until you reach the desired thickness — start with a teaspoon, and you can always add more if needed.

What happens when you put too much milk in mashed potatoes? ›

Liquid: Usually, this is where milk and butter comes into play, but for a dairy-free version, you could use broth instead. Just make sure you heat your liquid and add it a little at a time when your potatoes have been boiled and dried. Too much and you'll end up with a runny mess.

Why can't you add flour to mashed potatoes? ›

Regular flour can also be used to thicken your potatoes as well, but I don't love using it because its raw flavor needs to be cooked out, and it more noticeably dulls the flavor of the potatoes themselves.

How to thicken mashed potatoes without cornstarch? ›

Option 3: Add Potato Flakes

A third way to thicken runny mashed potatoes is to add … more potatoes, in the form of potato flakes. Instant mashed potatoes might not be your first choice for a holiday meal, but when added to fresh mashed potatoes, they can help thicken without detracting from the flavor.

What can I add to mashed potatoes to make them less watery? ›

You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well. Stir in the thickening agent gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes have reached your desired consistency.

When not to eat sweet potatoes? ›

How to tell if sweet potatoes have gone bad. If your sweet potato is soft in spots, smells rotten, or oozes a mysterious liquid, that potato should be discarded. Another sign that sweet potatoes have taken a turn for the worse is if they start growing stalky purplish sprouts.

Why do restaurant mashed potatoes taste better? ›

There's just something about those velvety smooth, luxuriantly creamy, full-flavored mashed potatoes that have most homemade versions beat beyond comparison. As it turns out, there is a pretty simple reason why steakhouse mashed potatoes are so much better than other versions: They don't skimp on the salt or fat.

Are sweet potatoes anti-inflammatory? ›

The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes has been shown to fight inflammation, and eating them regularly can help ease joint pain and other symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis. If you're looking for a delicious way to reduce inflammation, add some sweet potatoes to a salad or bake alongside protein!

Why not to boil sweet potatoes? ›

Bake, don't boil

It intensifies their flavor and creates a richer taste compared to boiling, which can result in a watered-down, bland flavor. As the oven temperature rises (when baking), the molecular structure of the sugar molecules in the sweet potatoes begins to change.

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. That said, if you do not have the time, you can still get crispy baked sweet potato fries by using high heat and a little drizzle of olive oil.

How do you make Patti Labelle sweet potatoes? ›

Boil the sweet potatoes in a large stockpot until soft, about 25 minutes; drain. When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. While the potatoes are still warm, add the butter, cream, agave, cinnamon and salt, and mash until smooth. Sprinkle with the orange zest.

How do you thicken runny sweet potatoes? ›

A little cornstarch mixed in should thicken it as it cooks. For a normal-family-sized dish, maybe about 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch sprinkled over the top (to reduce lumps, don't just dump it in) then mixed in. For a larger 'pot-luck sized' dish, add a bit more.

How to firm up runny mashed potatoes? ›

You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well. Stir in the thickening agent gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes have reached your desired consistency.

Why are my sweet potatoes soupy? ›

(Another hot tip if you're boiling your sweet potatoes: Don't overcook them! They tend to absorb water, which could make the filling watery.) So, say you do have some undercooked bits of sweet potato. You have two choices: Pick them out or bake your sweet potato casserole long enough to soften the underdone pieces.

Why is my sweet potato casserole so runny? ›

If your sweet potato casserole turned out “watery”, its usually because you forgot to add eggs; you didn't let your casserole have enough time to set up after baking or you used fresh sweet potatoes and didn't boil them long enough before mashing.

References

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