Sweet Potato Puree Recipe

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
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Updated on 05/18/21
Sweet Potato Puree

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
81 Calories
0g Fat
19g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 81
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 32mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 18mg 88%
Calcium 34mg 3%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 428mg 9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Sweet potato puree is easy to prepare and use in a variety of ways. Of course, the puree itself can be seasoned and served as a side dish next to poultry, pork, or ham. But the basic, unseasoned version can also be used to make sweet potato pie, soufflé, ice cream—or even fudge.

Sweet potatoes are available year-round, but their flavor peaks in the fall and winter. When buying, choose ones that feel heavy for their size and are free of any sprouts or soft spots. Sweet potatoes are harvested when they are moist but are then partially dried to toughen the skin and increase the storage potential. They should be stored in a cool, dry place and used within a couple of weeks. Be careful when handling sweet potatoes as they can bruise easily. 

Nutritionally, sweet potatoes are rich in the antioxidant beta carotene, which is effective in raising blood levels of vitamin A, especially in children. They are also high in fiber, are very filling, and can be prepared many ways including baked, steamed, boiled, or fried.

Ingredients

  • 3 large sweet potatoes, about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Sweet Potato Puree
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  2. Peel the potatoes and cut into 2-inch chunks.

    Peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  3. In a large saucepan, cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife, 15 to 20 minutes. 

    Cubed sweet potatoes in a pot
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  4. Drain the sweet potatoes, reserving some cooking water. It might be necessary to add some of the reserved water to achieve a smooth puree consistency.

    Drained sweet potatoes with reserved cooking liquid
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  5. Place the cooked sweet potato chunks in the bowl of a food processor. Puree until smooth. Add reserved water if necessary to achieve desired consistency—3 pounds of potatoes will yield about 4 cups of sweet potato puree.

    Cooked sweet potatoes in a food processor
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  6. Unseasoned sweet potato puree can be used in a variety of recipes. Cooled sweet potato puree can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. To use frozen sweet potato puree, thaw overnight in your refrigerator.

    Sweet Potato Puree
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Recipe Variations

  • Smoked Paprika Sweet Potato Puree: After pureeing the sweet potatoes, add 4 tablespoons softened butter, 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1/4 teaspoon sweet or hot smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the bowl. Pulse until all ingredients are incorporated and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Maple Chipotle Sweet Potato Puree: After pureeing the sweet potatoes, add 1 chipotle pepper in adobo (finely chopped), 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup sour cream, 4 tablespoons softened butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to the bowl. Pulse to combine until all ingredients are incorporated and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Vanilla Sweet Potato Puree: After pureeing the sweet potatoes, add 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter and 1/2 vanilla bean, scraped, to the bowl. Pulse to combine until all ingredients are incorporated and smooth.
  • Orange Ginger Sweet Potato Puree: After pureeing the sweet potatoes, add 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger to the bowl. Pulse to combine until all ingredients are incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.