This bourbon mashed sweet potatoes recipe is a flavorful twist on a classic side dish. The richness of bourbon whisky, combined with the sweetness of brown sugar, adds a unique depth to the sweet potatoes. This recipe is not just for the holidays but can be enjoyed any time of year.
The main ingredients you may need to pick up from the supermarket, if not readily available at home, are garnet sweet potatoes and bourbon whisky. Garnet sweet potatoes are known for their bright orange flesh and sweet flavor. Bourbon, a type of American whiskey, imparts a rich, complex flavor to the mashed sweet potatoes.
Ingredients for Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Garnet sweet potatoes: These are a variety of sweet potatoes with vibrant orange flesh and a sweet, slightly nutty flavor.
Salt: Used to enhance the flavor of the sweet potatoes.
Bourbon whisky: Adds a rich, complex flavor to the dish. Any brand of bourbon will do.
Butter: Adds creaminess to the mashed sweet potatoes, making them rich and indulgent.
Brown sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, complementing the savory flavors.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and aroma, balancing out the strong flavors of the other ingredients.
One reader, Eolanda Buford says:
This bourbon mashed sweet potatoes recipe is a game-changer! The combination of bourbon, brown sugar, and vanilla creates a rich and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. The sweet potatoes are creamy and indulgent, making it a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist.
Cooking Techniques for Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
How to boil sweet potatoes: Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot, cover with water, add a tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
How to mash sweet potatoes: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and return them to the pot on the stove. Lower the heat to low. Add the bourbon and butter to the pot and stir. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract and stir. Mash with a potato masher until smooth. Add more salt, bourbon, butter, and brown sugar to taste.
How To Make Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These mashed sweet potatoes are amped up by a splash of smoky bourbon for extra flavor and richness. Serve a batch in just under an hour!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3lbsgarnet sweet potatoes,peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
- salt
- 4tbspbourbon whisky
- 4tbspbutter,more or less to taste
- 4tbspbrown sugar,more or less to taste
- 2tspvanilla extract
Instructions
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Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot, cover with water. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water.
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Bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, until tender.
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Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and return them to the pot on the stove. Lower the heat to low.
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Add the bourbon and the butter to the pot and stir. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract and stir.
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Mash with a potato masher until smooth. Add more salt, bourbon, butter, and brown sugar to taste.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 234.81kcal
- Fat: 5.84g
- Saturated Fat: 3.68g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.24g
- Carbohydrates: 38.81g
- Fiber: 5.10g
- Sugar: 11.64g
- Protein: 2.74g
- Cholesterol: 15.26mg
- Sodium: 441.21mg
- Calcium: 56.82mg
- Potassium: 582.72mg
- Iron: 1.08mg
- Vitamin A: 1254.55µg
- Vitamin C: 4.08mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
When mashing the sweet potatoes, it's best to use a hand masher rather than an electric mixer. This will give you a smoother, creamier texture without making the potatoes gluey. Also, adding the bourbon and butter while the potatoes are still hot will help them absorb the flavors better.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Prep ahead: Prepare the sweet potatoes the day before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking. Use a food processor: Instead of mashing the sweet potatoes by hand, consider using a food processor for a quicker and smoother result. Multi-task: While the sweet potatoes are boiling, prepare other components of your meal to maximize efficiency. Organize ingredients: Before starting, make sure all ingredients and utensils are laid out and ready to use to avoid any last-minute scrambling. Streamline cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
bourbon whisky - Substitute with apple cider: Apple cider provides a sweet and tangy flavor similar to bourbon, adding depth to the mashed sweet potatoes. It also complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a rich and creamy texture to the mashed sweet potatoes, similar to butter. It also imparts a subtle coconut flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor, which can replace the sweetness and depth of brown sugar in the mashed sweet potatoes.
vanilla extract - Substitute with cinnamon: Cinnamon provides a warm and aromatic flavor, similar to vanilla, and complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Elevate the plating: Arrange the bourbon mashed sweet potatoes in a quenelle shape using two large spoons, creating a smooth and elegant presentation on the plate.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a dusting of finely chopped pecans over the sweet potatoes to add a delightful crunch and enhance the visual appeal.
Incorporate contrasting colors: Consider adding a vibrant drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves to create a visually stunning contrast against the rich, golden sweet potatoes.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the bourbon mashed sweet potatoes in a sophisticated, minimalist dish that allows the vibrant colors and textures to take center stage.
Artistic sauce application: Use a small squeeze bottle to delicately drizzle a bourbon-infused caramel sauce in an artistic pattern around the sweet potatoes, adding a touch of luxury to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Pot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot is essential for boiling the sweet potatoes until tender.
- Potato masher: This tool is used to mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Knife: A sharp knife is needed for peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes.
- Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure the bourbon, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Mixing spoon: A mixing spoon is used to stir the sweet potatoes while adding the bourbon, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Colander: A colander is used to drain the cooked sweet potatoes after boiling.
- Cutting board: A cutting board is needed for peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes.
- Stove: A stove is required for cooking the sweet potatoes in a pot.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Let the bourbon mashed sweet potatoes cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled mashed potatoes to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- When ready to reheat, you can either microwave the potatoes or warm them in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the potatoes seem dry, add a splash of milk or cream to help restore their creamy texture.
- For freezing, scoop the cooled mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen mashed potatoes to the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight.
- Reheat the thawed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a little milk or cream if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- If you find that the thawed and reheated bourbon mashed sweet potatoes have lost some of their flavor, you can always stir in an extra pat of butter, a splash of bourbon, or a sprinkle of brown sugar to liven them up before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Reheat in the oven: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover mashed sweet potatoes to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.
Microwave reheating: place the bourbon mashed sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through. Adjust the time based on the quantity of leftovers and your microwave's power.
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover mashed sweet potatoes to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the mixture appears dry, add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to maintain a creamy consistency. Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Slow cooker reheating: place the leftover bourbon mashed sweet potatoes in your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cover and let the sweet potatoes warm for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method is ideal for larger quantities of leftovers.
Repurposing leftovers: transform your leftover mashed sweet potatoes into a new dish. Use them as a topping for shepherd's pie, stuff them into burritos or quesadillas, or create sweet potato croquettes by mixing the leftovers with cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then shaping them into patties and frying until golden brown.
Interesting Trivia About Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
The bourbon mashed sweet potatoes recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. The addition of bourbon adds a unique depth of flavor to the dish, complementing the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. This recipe is a great way to add a touch of sophistication to a classic side dish, and it's sure to impress your guests with its rich and indulgent taste. Whether served at a holiday gathering or a casual dinner, these bourbon mashed sweet potatoes are bound to be a hit.
Is Making Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this bourbon mashed sweet potatoes recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients. Sweet potatoes are generally affordable, and the addition of bourbon whisky can elevate the dish without significantly increasing the overall cost. The use of butter and brown sugar may slightly raise the cost, but these ingredients are commonly found in households. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful twist to traditional mashed sweet potatoes, earning a solid 8/10 for its balance of flavor and affordability.
Are Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes Healthy?
The bourbon mashed sweet potatoes recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to a few key ingredients. Sweet potatoes themselves are a nutritious and fiber-rich vegetable, packed with vitamins A and C. However, the addition of bourbon, butter, and brown sugar significantly increases the calorie count and adds unhealthy saturated fats and sugars to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil or Greek yogurt
- Swap out the brown sugar for a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, and use less of it
- Instead of bourbon, experiment with non-alcoholic flavorings like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg to enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes
- Incorporate other healthy ingredients such as chopped pecans for added crunch and healthy fats, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor
By making these simple adjustments, you can transform this indulgent side dish into a healthier, more balanced option that still satisfies your taste buds and provides essential nutrients.
Editor's Opinion on This Bourbon Sweet Potato Recipe
The bourbon mashed sweet potatoes recipe is a delightful twist on a classic side dish. The addition of bourbon adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. The use of brown sugar and vanilla extract enhances the overall depth of flavor, creating a well-balanced and indulgent dish. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks. This recipe is sure to impress guests and elevate any meal with its unique and sophisticated flavors.
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Why trust this Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional mashed sweet potatoes, incorporating the rich flavors of bourbon whisky and brown sugar. The combination of these ingredients adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the use of vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and taste. The inclusion of butter ensures a creamy texture, and the method of mashing the sweet potatoes creates a smooth consistency. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your culinary experience and impress your guests with a delightful side dish.
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