The Vegan Sweet Potato Recipe This Nutritionist Loves

It’s that time of year to celebrate root vegetables, and sweet potatoes are the main attraction. There are several varieties of this tuber, but two of the most popular, especially for mashing, are garnet and jewel.

For this recipe, I chose garnet due to its bright orange, rich flesh, and higher moisture content. Garnets also nicely retain their vibrant hue after baking.

Traditional recipes for mashed sweet potatoes can be quite heavy, prepared with brown sugar, butter, and half-and-half. But many people are looking for healthy, plant-based ways to enjoy this fall favourite.

Fortunately, with my vegan sweet potatoes recipe, just a few simple ingredient tweaks can transform this dish into one that’s dairy free and nutritious, without sacrificing one iota of flavour and satisfaction.

(Related: 20 Easy and Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes to Make Now)

Sweet potatoes: A nutrient powerhouse

The superstar ingredient for this dish—sweet potatoes—are nutrient powerhouses.

One cup of baked sweet potato contains over 38,400 international units (IU) of vitamin A, which supports immune function, as well as healthy skin and vision. That’s 769 percent daily value (percent DV). This same-sized portion also supplies about 7 grams of dietary fibre (26 percent DV), 39 mg of vitamin C (65 percent DV), and it also includes energy-supporting B vitamins and minerals. Plus, a cup of sweet potatoes boasts 950 mg of potassium (27 percent DV). The latter mineral helps regulate heart rhythm, blood pressure, nerve, and muscle function.

Sweet potatoes are also loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants known to protect cells from aging and disease, according to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food.

(Related: Are All Potatoes Healthy? Here’s What Registered Dietitians Say)

How to make vegan mashed sweet potatoes

Swap dairy for oat milk

In place of dairy, I opted for oat milk, which is made from antioxidant-rich whole grain oats. Among the plant-based dairy alternatives, oat milk’s thickness makes it the perfect choice for adding texture to your mash, and it doesn’t have a strong flavour, so it blends perfectly.

Swap butter for cashew butter

The cashew butter replaces dairy butter. It adds richness, a slightly nutty flavour, and acts as a binder, while providing heart-healthy fat, about 2 grams of plant protein (6% DV) per tablespoon, and minerals. These include immune-supporting zinc, and magnesium, which have been shown to help support healthy sleep in women, according to a 2018 study in Nutrients.

Add maple syrup

Maple syrup adds delectable fall flavour, and it’s a nutrient-rich sweetener. A study published in Pharmaceutical Biology has shown that maple syrup contains two dozen different types of antioxidants. Each tablespoon also provides 0.6 mg of manganese (33% DV), a mineral that supports bone health, collagen production, and wound healing.

The end result is a vibrant side dish that’s flavourful, mouth-wateringly satisfying, and nourishing for vegans and non-vegans alike. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do throughout the fall and winter seasons.

(Also Try: Loaded Breakfast Sweet Potatoes)

Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup unsweetened oat milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cashew butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• Whole pecans for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork or pairing knife. Bake on a foil-lined sheet for one hour or until potatoes are tender throughout.
2. Slice each potato in half, lengthwise. Hold each with a potholder or towel, scoop out the flesh into a medium bowl, and discard the skins. Mash, and set aside.
3. In a saucepan combine the oat milk, cashew butter, and maple syrup. Warm over low to medium heat, stirring continuously, for about three to four minutes. Remove from the heat, and add the mixture to the mashed sweet potatoes, along with the salt and pepper. Stir to create a uniform consistency. Transfer to serving dish and garnish with pecans if desired.

Note: If you’re allergic or sensitive to nuts, swap the cashew butter for sunflower seed butter and trade the pecans for sprouted pumpkin seeds.

Next: The Vegan Braised Greens Recipe This Nutritionist Loves