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To make Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Mash, you will need: - 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed - 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or vegan alternative) - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy milk for a vegan option) - Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional) You can easily swap some ingredients to fit your needs: - Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. - Maple syrup can be replaced with honey if not vegan. - Almond milk or oat milk works well instead of regular milk. - For a nut-free version, skip the pecans or use sunflower seeds. - Cinnamon and nutmeg can be replaced with pumpkin spice for a twist. Each serving of Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Mash is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. - Calories: 220 - Protein: 3g - Fat: 9g - Carbohydrates: 35g - Fiber: 4g - Sugar: 8g This mash is a fun way to add healthy sweet potatoes and nuts to your meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by peeling and cubing four medium sweet potatoes. Place the cubes in a large pot. Cover the sweet potatoes with cold water. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Check if they are tender by piercing with a fork. When soft, drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Next, grab a small saucepan and melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once it's melted, stir in 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup. Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for warmth. Mix in a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside. The sweet smell will make you eager to continue. Now, it’s time to mash the sweet potatoes. Use a potato masher or fork to mash them until smooth. Gradually pour in the maple butter mixture, stirring as you go. For a creamier texture, slowly mix in 1/4 cup of milk. Adjust the amount based on how creamy you want it. Finally, fold in 1/2 cup of roughly chopped pecans, saving some for garnish. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Transfer the mash to a serving bowl. Top with extra pecans and fresh thyme leaves if you like. Enjoy your Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Mash! When picking sweet potatoes, look for firm ones. They should have smooth skin and no spots. Heavy sweet potatoes feel fresh and moist. Choose those with a bright orange color for the best flavor. Avoid any that feel soft, as they may be bad inside. Fresh sweet potatoes taste better in your mash. To make your sweet potato mash creamier, use warm milk. Heat it gently before adding. This helps blend the ingredients well. You can also use a potato ricer instead of a masher. A ricer gives a fluffier texture. Mix in the maple butter slowly. This way, you can adjust the creaminess to your liking. To get the best flavor from pecans, toast them. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they can burn quickly. Stirring halfway helps them toast evenly. Let them cool before adding to your mash. Toasted pecans bring a rich, nutty taste that enhances your dish. Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Enhance the Maple Flavor: For a deeper maple flavor, consider lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the mash. Adjust Consistency: Feel free to adjust the amount of milk based on your desired creaminess; add it gradually to avoid overdoing it. Garnish for Appeal: Adding fresh thyme not only enhances the dish's aroma but also adds a beautiful pop of color. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegan version of Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Mash. Instead of butter, use a vegan alternative. Look for plant-based options like coconut oil or vegan margarine. For milk, choose almond, soy, or oat milk. These swaps keep the flavor rich while making the dish vegan-friendly. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat! Want to kick up the flavor? You can add more spices to your mash. Try a pinch of ginger for warmth. A dash of allspice can add a nice twist, too. You could even mix in some cayenne pepper for a little heat. Each spice brings its own flair, making your sweet potato mash unique and exciting. Pecans are great, but you can use other nuts too! Walnuts add a different crunch and flavor. Almonds can give a nice texture and nutty taste. Just chop them roughly and fold them into the mash. This change keeps the dish fresh and allows you to use what you have on hand. Each nut will change the taste slightly, making it fun to try different combinations! To store leftover Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Mash, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the mash is cool before sealing. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you are ready to enjoy your mash again, reheat it gently. You can use the microwave or the stove. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. On the stove, warm it over low heat. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry. If you want to freeze the mash, scoop it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date. The mash can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can make this mash ahead of time. Simply prepare the sweet potatoes and mash them. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to serve, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk for creaminess. Stir well to mix in any extra moisture. This makes serving easy and quick! Yes, you can use brown sugar. However, maple syrup gives a unique flavor. If you choose brown sugar, use the same amount as the recipe states. Dissolve it in the melted butter before mixing it with the sweet potatoes. This change will still give you a sweet and tasty mash, but it won't have the same depth of flavor. Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Mash pairs well with many dishes. It goes great with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled chicken. You can also serve it alongside sautéed greens or a fresh salad. The mash adds a sweet touch that balances savory flavors. Try it with a side of cranberry sauce for a festive twist! In this article, we explored the process of making Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Mash. We covered every ingredient, how to prepare them, and easy cooking tips. You learned about different variations and how to store leftovers. This dish is tasty and easy to adapt, making it great for any meal. Remember, the right ingredients and simple steps lead to a delicious result. Enjoy making this dish your own!

Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Mash

A deliciously creamy mash of sweet potatoes, enhanced with maple syrup and pecans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 0.5 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter (or vegan alternative)
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup milk (or non-dairy milk for a vegan option)
  • optional fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the sweet potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  • Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
  • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
  • Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or fork until smooth.
  • Gradually mix in the maple butter mixture, stirring until combined. For a creamier texture, add in the milk little by little until desired consistency is reached.
  • Fold in the chopped pecans, reserving a few for garnish, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Transfer the mash to a serving bowl and sprinkle additional pecans on top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Notes

For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter and non-dairy milk.
Keyword maple syrup, pecans, sweet potatoes, vegan option