A handful of fresh cilantro, a little bit of grated orange zest, fresh cilantro and a chunk of creamy butter… Believe it or not but this white sweet potato mash is such a savory flavor bomb!
You might be in for a good surprise here today…
White sweet potatoes do exist, believe it or not! Here in Spain we call these little starchy gems actually batatas.
Have you ever heard of batatas or white sweet potato before then?
I have to admit that I bought these white sweet potatoes by accident.
Batatas
Initially I wanted to make roasted sweet red potatoes.
That classic side dish you surely must have tried out yourself. But as I was rushing to finish my shopping list at the grocery store, I accidentally picked up the white version.
So you can imagine that I was quite surprised when I cut into them that evening and the inside turned out to be absolutely white.
But no panic, these white sweet potatoes are just as sweet and sugary as their red siblings!
Great.
Easy White Sweet Potato Mash with Cilantro & Orange Zest
So I ditched my initial idea to make the oven roasted version.
And that is when I created this white sweet potato mash as a side for a gorgeously pan seared whole sea bream.
Sweet potato and fish?
It sure works, you have no idea!
Well that evening I put the white sweet potato mash in a serving bowl in the middle of the table with a little diced butter melting on top of it. Oh, bliss. The hubs digs in, eats a spoonful of the creamy mash, pauses, takes another bite.
He looks at me with raised eyebrows.
Surprise
‘Lord, what am I eating?! What exactly did you put into this fluffy sweet mash?’ he asks. So I told him what it was and he loved it!
White sweet potato, fragrant orange zest and fresh cilantro…
What a heavenly combo. Try it because you will adore it.
Do you love sweet potato?
Then you should also check out my sweet potato and feta cheese casserole!
Enjoy!
Easy White Sweet Potato Mash Recipe
A handful of fresh cilantro, some grated orange zest and a knob of butter... this white sweet potato mash is a savory flavor bomb!
- 1 lb white sweet potatoes (450 g), peeled and chopped
- ½ fresh orange
- a handful fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large garlic clove chopped
- pepper
- salt
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Add both the chopped sweet potato and garlic to a large pan and then fill with cold tap water until fully submerged. Add a pinch of salt.
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Place the pan over high heat. In the meantime take the zest off the orange: try to cut the zest into thick strips. This will make it easier to remove these bits later on once the potatoes are cooked. Then add the zest to the potatoes in the pan. You don’t need the rest of the orange.
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Bring the potatoes to a good boil. Then turn the heat lower to medium and put a lid on the pan. Cook the potatoes for 10 to 12 minutes until totally soft and smooth. Then remove the orange zest (don’t discard it yet, keep it aside for later).
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Strain the cooked sweet potato.
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Then transfer the sweet potatoes back to the pan and add half of the unsalted butter. Also chop up some of the cooked orange zest (you should add about a tablespoon of it). Season with a pinch of pepper and salt.
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Mash the potatoes up until the butter is nicely incorporated. Then chop up the fresh cilantro and add it to the potato mash.
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Stir the mash well and check the seasoning. Add extra pepper, salt, butter or chopped up orange zest to taste if necessary.
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Scoop the sweet potato mash onto plates or into a serving bowl. Sprinkle with extra pepper, salt, chopped orange zest and fresh cilantro. Serve hot.
What is the difference between white sweet potatoes and red sweet potatoes?
White and red sweet potatoes have some distinct differences:
- Color: White sweet potatoes have a pale, creamy flesh, while red sweet potatoes have a vibrant orange or reddish flesh.
- Texture: White sweet potatoes tend to be drier and firmer, whereas red sweet potatoes are moister and softer.
- Flavor: White sweet potatoes have a milder, slightly nutty flavor, while red sweet potatoes are sweeter and richer in taste.
These differences can affect how they cook and taste in your dishes.
Where does the white sweet potato come from originally?
White sweet potatoes, also known as batatas, originate from the tropical regions of South America, specifically in what is present-day Ecuador.
They were domesticated in either Central or South America and have been a staple crop for thousands of years.
What other flavors can I add to a white sweet potato mash?
You can add a variety of flavors to white sweet potato mash to make it even more delicious.
Here are some ideas:
- Garlic and Herbs: Mix in roasted garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary for a savory twist.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a bit of heat.
- Sweet and Savory: Drizzle with a bit of maple syrup and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits.
- Cheesy: Stir in some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for a rich, creamy texture.
- Citrus: Add a splash of lemon or orange juice or zest for a fresh, tangy flavor.
Each of these can bring a unique twist to your mash.
What protein goes well with a white sweet potato mash?
White sweet potato mash pairs wonderfully with a variety of proteins. Here are some great options:
- Grilled or roasted chicken: The savory flavors of chicken complement the sweetness of the mash.
- Pork tenderloin: Its mild flavor and tender texture make a perfect match.
- Salmon: The rich, fatty taste of salmon contrasts nicely with the creamy mash.
- Beef steak: A juicy steak adds a hearty element to the meal.
- Lentils or chickpeas: For a vegetarian option, these legumes provide a satisfying protein boost.
Each of these proteins can create a delicious and balanced meal.