Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Pecans
Crunchy, creamy, savory, sweet—this classic sweet potato side dish has it all. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, and then puree them in a food processor before adding in vanilla and maple syrup, then top with buttery pecans.
Crunchy, creamy, savory, sweet—this classic sweet potato side dish has it all. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, and then puree them in a food processor before adding in vanilla and maple syrup, then top with buttery pecans.
- Carbohydrate 52 g(17%)
- Cholesterol 62 mg(21%)
- Fat 8 g(12%)
- Fiber 5 g(21%)
- Protein 5 g(10%)
- Saturated Fat 3 g(14%)
- Sodium 447 mg(19%)
- Calories 293
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix sugar, pecans and butter in small bowl. Cover and chill until ready to use. (Can be made up to 2 days ahead. Keep refrigerated.)
- Butter 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish.
- Cook sweet potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until very tender, about 12 minutes. Drain. Let stand in colander 15 minutes.
- Puree sweet potatoes in processor.
- Beat eggs, syrup, vanilla, lemon juice and salt in large bowl.
- Mix in puréed sweet potatoes.
- Transfer sweet potato mixture to prepared dish.
- Sprinkle pecan topping evenly over mixture.
- Bake until sweet potato mixture is set and topping bubbles, about 1 hour.
- Let stand 15 minutes and serve.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Mashed Sweet Potatoes with a Pecan Twist
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a monumental task. But there are those recipes that manage to be both simple and satisfying, and this mashed sweet potato dish is one of them. It’s become a staple in our family, a go-to side dish for everything from Thanksgiving dinner to a weeknight roast chicken.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. The sweet potatoes themselves provide a naturally sweet and creamy base, perfect for balancing savory dishes. The addition of brown sugar and pecans adds a delightful crunch and a deeper layer of flavor, creating a wonderful textural contrast. It’s the kind of dish that's equally enjoyable warm from the oven or at room temperature.
I love how easy this recipe is to prepare. While the sweet potatoes are boiling, I can usually get other dinner prep done. The pureeing process is quick and effortless with a food processor, leaving me with a smooth and decadent texture. The pecan topping is a simple mix-and-chill affair, perfect for preparing ahead of time. This means less stress and more time spent with my family on busy weeknights.
What I especially appreciate about this dish is its adaptability. Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor profile. Other times, I’ll experiment with different types of nuts, like walnuts or even macadamia nuts. The possibilities are endless! And because it reheats beautifully, it’s a perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks or gatherings.
This mashed sweet potato recipe isn't just a side dish; it’s a comforting hug on a plate, a taste of home, and a reminder that even amidst a busy life, there’s always time for a little bit of deliciousness. The simple act of creating something warm and flavorful for my family brings me so much joy. It's a small act, but it's a powerful one.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients. It highlights the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and the warmth of brown sugar – all combining to create a dish that's both elegant and unpretentious.
So, whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, I urge you to try this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your own kitchen, too. The best part? The cleanup is minimal, leaving you with more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor – and maybe a second helping.
