5 Delicious Purple Sweet Potato Recipes You Must Try

The vibrant color and earthy sweetness of purple sweet potatoes make them not only a visually appealing ingredient but also a powerhouse of nutrients like antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. Here, we dive into five delectable recipes featuring purple sweet potatoes, offering both savory and sweet dishes that will elevate your culinary adventures.

Purple Sweet Potato Mash

This twist on a classic side dish adds color and a unique flavor to your meal:

• 3 large purple sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp butter or vegan butter
• ¹⁄₄ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Steps:

1. Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and mash the potatoes in a large bowl.
3. Heat butter and cream in a saucepan until warm.
4. Combine with the mashed potatoes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired. Blend until smooth.

🌟 Note: For a creamier mash, consider adding a bit more cream or butter. You can also adjust the texture to your liking by mashing the potatoes to your preferred level of smoothness.

Purple Sweet Potato and Kale Salad

A hearty and refreshing salad that incorporates the natural sweetness of purple sweet potatoes:

• 2 purple sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 bunch kale, de-stemmed and chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup walnuts, toasted
• Feta cheese or vegan cheese alternative
• Dressing: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the sweet potatoes in a light coating of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
2. In a bowl, massage the kale with a little olive oil until it becomes tender.
3. Combine roasted sweet potatoes with kale, add walnuts, and crumble the cheese over the top.
4. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad. Toss gently to combine.

Purple Sweet Potato Hummus

Enhance your dipping experience with this colorful and delicious hummus:

• 1 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 large purple sweet potato, roasted and peeled
• 2 tbsp tahini
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• Salt and cumin to taste

Steps:

1. Blend chickpeas, sweet potato, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and spices until smooth in a food processor.
2. Gradually add olive oil while blending until you reach a creamy consistency.
3. Season with salt, and if needed, adjust flavors with more lemon or cumin. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil on top.

Purple Sweet Potato Donuts

A fun and delicious treat for any time of the day:

• 1 cup mashed purple sweet potato
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter, melted
• Glaze: powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Mix the mashed sweet potato with sugar, milk, and melted butter.
2. Combine dry ingredients, then add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
3. Fill a donut pan, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.
4. Once cooled, prepare the glaze and dip each donut to coat.

Purple Sweet Potato Soup

Cozy up with a bowl of this soothing, creamy soup:

• 3 purple sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• ¹⁄₂ cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp curry powder
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add potatoes, broth, and curry powder. Simmer until potatoes are soft.
3. Puree the soup until smooth, then stir in coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve hot, perhaps garnished with a dollop of yogurt or fresh herbs.

In summary, purple sweet potatoes can transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with their color, flavor, and health benefits. These recipes offer a versatile selection for any occasion, showcasing the incredible potential of purple sweet potatoes in both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply add some variety to your weekly meals, these recipes are sure to delight.

Can I use purple sweet potatoes interchangeably with regular sweet potatoes?

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Yes, purple sweet potatoes can often be used in recipes that call for regular sweet potatoes. However, keep in mind the color might change the appearance of the dish, and they might have a slightly different flavor profile.

How do I store purple sweet potatoes?

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Store them in a cool, dark place like a pantry. Avoid refrigeration as it can alter their taste and texture.

Are purple sweet potatoes healthier than other sweet potatoes?

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Purple sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their color. While they offer similar benefits to other sweet potatoes, the antioxidant content can provide additional health benefits.