Imagine a side dish that transforms ordinary vegetables into a velvety, luxurious experience that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Parsnips recipe is not just a simple side dish—it's a culinary revelation that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the subtle, earthy notes of parsnips. Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when you're craving a warm, comforting accompaniment that elevates any main course.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 large parsnips, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes and parsnips thoroughly, ensuring all dirt and blemishes are removed.
- Cut the sweet potatoes and parsnips into roughly 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes and parsnips in a large pot and cover completely with cold water, adding a pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender and can be easily pierced.
- Drain the vegetables in a colander, shaking off excess water to prevent soggy mashed potatoes.
- Return the drained vegetables to the pot and add butter, allowing the residual heat to melt it completely.
- Pour in the milk gradually while mashing the vegetables with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish, creating a small well in the center to add an extra pat of butter if desired.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with chopped chives or parsley for added color and flavor.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Produce: Select firm, unblemished sweet potatoes and parsnips for the best flavor and texture.
- Cut Uniformly: Ensure all vegetable cubes are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking.
- Salt the Cooking Water: Adding salt to the water helps season the vegetables from the inside out.
- Don't Overcook: Watch carefully to prevent vegetables from becoming mushy—they should be just fork-tender.
- Warm Your Milk and Butter: Using room temperature or slightly warmed milk and butter helps create a smoother, creamier mash.
- Mash Gradually: Add milk slowly and mash in stages to control the consistency and prevent a watery result.
- Taste and Adjust: Always season to taste, and don't be afraid to add extra butter or a touch of cream for richness.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding roasted garlic, fresh herbs like thyme, or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
