Q1: What is the absolute, number one secret to the most flavorful mashed sweet potatoes?

The secret is to roast your sweet potatoes whole in their skins. This is the key that concentrates their natural sweetness and gives them a deep, caramelized, and almost-candied flavor that you simply cannot get from boiling or steaming them.

Q2: Can I make this side dish ahead of time for a holiday dinner?

Yes, absolutely! This is an ideal make-ahead side dish. You can prepare the entire recipe from start to finish up to three days in advance. When you are ready for your dinner, you can simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q3: What can I use if I don't have a food mill or a potato ricer?

If you don't have these tools, the next best option is a simple, old-fashioned handheld potato masher. It is best to avoid using a food processor or a blender, as the high-speed blades can overwork the starches in the potatoes, which is the number one culprit behind a gummy, gluey, and unpleasant texture.

Q4: Can I make this with a different kind of winter squash?

Yes! This delicious maple-orange butter would also be fantastic with other sweet, winter squashes, especially a roasted butternut squash.

Q5: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Of course! To make this recipe completely dairy-free and vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of your favorite vegan butter substitute or a high-quality, refined coconut oil.

Creamy Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Easy & Elegant!)

Creamy Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes (An Easy Holiday Side!)

A classic and simple recipe for Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes, a perfect side dish for a holiday meal. This dish features sweet potatoes that are roasted in the oven until very tender, which concentrates their natural sweetness. The flesh is then scooped out and passed through a food mill or ricer to create a perfectly smooth, fluffy texture. The potatoes are finished with a simple and flavorful mixture of melted butter, pure maple syrup, and a hint of fresh orange zest.

Author: Grace

Ingredients

3 pounds sweet potatoes
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Pierce the sweet potatoes 2 or 3 times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 45 to 60 minutes, until they are very tender and a knife easily pierces through the center.
Let the potatoes cool slightly, then slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides and discard the skins.
For the smoothest texture, pass the cooked potatoes through a food mill or a ricer into a large bowl. Alternatively, mash them with a potato masher.
In a small skillet over medium heat, heat the butter, maple syrup, and orange zest until the butter is melted.
Pour the warm butter mixture over the potatoes and stir to combine evenly.
Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

This is a classic and easy side dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken, making it perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Roasting the sweet potatoes whole in their skins, rather than boiling them, results in a deeper, more concentrated flavor and a less watery texture.
Using a food mill or a ricer is the key to achieving the smoothest, most lump-free mashed sweet potatoes.

Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/creamy-maple-mashed-sweet-potatoes/