Purple Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecans is a gorgeous side dish to add to any dinner!
I first discovered purple sweet potatoes when I lived in Mexico City. I just couldn't get over their color! The first recipe that I created with the beautiful sweet potatoes was Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecans.
I recently updated the recipe and forgot home much I love purple sweet potatoes.
purple sweet potato health benefits
If you want to add more antioxidants into you diet, purple foods—including purple sweet potatoes—are a great source. The purple color contains anthocyanin antioxidants.
Purple sweet potatoes are high in vitamin c and packed full of fiber.
how to make mashed purple sweet potatoes
Instead of making a traditional sweet potato casserole, I decided to make maple pecans for a topping.
The sweetness from the maple syrup and crunch of the pecans is a nice pairing with the mashed purple sweet potatoes.
The pecans are quick and easy to make; they are also highly addicting.
You won’t need the full amount of Maple Pecans for the recipe, so go ahead and snack on some while you are cooking. You can find me in my kitchen snacking on them. So Good!
Next, peel and chop the purple sweet potatoes.
Boil them until tender. Drain and mash the potatoes with some vegan butter, plant milk, cinnamon and salt.
Mash until nice and smooth.
Purple sweet potatoes are more dense than regular sweet potatoes. If they are still a little too dense after mashing, add in a little bit more milk.
Top with the maple pecans!
where to find purple sweet potatoes
I've been able to find purple sweet potatoes at Whole Foods. Sometimes my local Trader Joe's has them, but it isn't very often.
You can also order them online from Frieda's.
If you can find purple sweet potatoes, pick some up and try this twist on classic mashed sweet potatoes.
It is a fun and colorful alternative to the normal orange sweet potatoes.
This purple sweet potato muffin recipe is also a fun recipe to make with purple sweet potatoes!
This would be a great holiday side dish too! Your guests will love the pop of color on the table.
Purple mashed sweet potatoes would be great for Easter or even Thanksgiving too!
Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecans
Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecans is a fun twist on the classic sweet potato casserole.
Ingredients
For the Maple Pecans:
- 1 Cup Pecans
- 2 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
- ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt, plus more if needed
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lb. Purple Sweet Potatoes, scrubbed and peeled
- 2 Tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup
- 3-4 Tablespoons Vegan Butter, melted and cooled
- ⅓ Cup Non Dairy Milk, warmed, plus more if needed
- ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
Instructions
For the maple pecans:
- Start first by making the Maple Pecans. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside. Add the pecans to a medium non-stick skillet. Toast the pecans for a few minutes, about 3-4 minutes. Add the maple syrup; stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the pecans to the parchment-lined baking tray, sprinkle a pinch of salt and cinnamon. Then separate the nuts. Let cool a few minutes
- Once cooked, let the pecans cool to room temperature.
For the potatoes:
- For the potatoes: Cut the cleaned and peeled potatoes into medium sized chucks.
- Place in a large pot. Cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
- Cook until fork tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and transfer to a mixing bowl. Mash the potatoes a little bit to get them going.
- Mix in the maple syrup, melted butter, non-dairy milk, cinnamon, and salt to taste.
- Continue mixing the sweet potatoes until smooth. If the potatoes seems to dense, add in a little more milk.
- Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving bowl. Add the cooled Maple Pecans on top. You can chop the pecans if you would like smaller pieces.
- For extra decadence, drizzle more maple syrup on top.
This is an updated version of a pervious published recipe.
Happy Cooking!
Jeni
Jennifer Brizzi
Thanks for posting this beautiful recipe. I adore purple sweet potatoes, and pecans are my favorite nut, so I can't wait to make this!
Jeni
I hope that you enjoy the recipe! I love the flavor of mashed purple sweet potatoes, but the candied pecans are probably my favorite part! 🙂
Lena
I've done this recipe twice already and I LOVE IT!! So, so delicious!! I love purple potatoes so I made it last year for Christmas and this year for a holiday party! Thank you!