Purple Sweet Potato Recipe

Vibrant, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients, purple sweet potatoes are a stunning addition to your meals. Whether roasted, mashed, or turned into a dessert, these richly colored tubers bring a delightful sweetness and creamy texture that’s impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Naturally Sweet & Nutritious – Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, purple sweet potatoes are a delicious way to nourish your body.
  • Easy to Prepare – Whether baked, roasted, or mashed, this recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients.
  • Versatile – Enjoy them as a side dish, in desserts, or blended into soups for a pop of color and flavor.

Ingredients

  • Purple Sweet Potatoes – The star of the dish, offering natural sweetness and a beautiful color.
  • Olive Oil or Butter – Enhances the flavor and brings out the natural creaminess.
  • Salt & Pepper – A simple seasoning to balance the sweetness.
  • Garlic (Optional) – Adds a savory contrast, especially when roasting.
  • Cinnamon or Honey (Optional) – If you prefer a sweeter touch, these enhance the natural flavors beautifully.
Flat lay of raw purple sweet potatoes with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh thyme on a dark slate board with soft natural lighting.

Note: The complete ingredient list with measurements will be in the recipe card below.

How to Make Purple Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them or leave the skin on for extra fiber.

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method

  • Roasting: Cut into cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
  • Boiling: Cut into chunks and boil for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  • Baking Whole: Pierce the skin with a fork, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-60 minutes.
  • Mashing: After boiling or baking, mash with butter, salt, and a touch of cinnamon or honey.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

Serve warm as a side dish, add to salads, or even use them in desserts like sweet potato pie or pudding.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Roast for Extra Sweetness – Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars, making them even more flavorful.
  • Don’t Overboil – To retain color and nutrients, avoid overcooking when boiling.
  • Pair with Citrus – A squeeze of lime or orange enhances the sweetness beautifully.

How to Serve

  • As a Side Dish – Perfect with roasted meats, grilled fish, or alongside greens.
  • In Bowls & Salads – Add roasted chunks to grain bowls or leafy salads.
  • As a Dessert – Blend into smoothies, turn into a creamy pudding, or bake into pies.
A bowl of creamy mashed purple sweet potatoes, garnished with sesame seeds and coconut milk, with a wooden spoon scooping a portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cooked purple sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Mash and freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Roasted pieces can also be frozen for easy meal prep.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until warmed through.

FAQs

1. What makes purple sweet potatoes different from regular sweet potatoes?
Purple sweet potatoes have a denser texture and slightly less sweetness, with a rich, earthy flavor. They’re also packed with anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in blueberries.

2. Can I use purple sweet potatoes in desserts?
Yes! Their natural sweetness makes them great for pies, cakes, and even ice cream.

3. How do I store raw purple sweet potatoes?
Keep them in a cool, dry place (not the fridge) and use them within a few weeks for the best quality.

4. Can I eat the skin?
Absolutely! The skin is full of fiber and nutrients, so you can leave it on when roasting or baking.

Enjoy your delicious and vibrant purple sweet potatoes!

Print
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Roasted purple sweet potatoes on a rustic plate, garnished with fresh herbs and sesame seeds, with steam rising and a warm wooden table background.

Purple Sweet Potato Recipe


  • Author: Hannah
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Purple sweet potatoes are a vibrant and nutrient-packed variety of sweet potatoes with a naturally rich, slightly nutty flavor. Their striking purple flesh comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants linked to various health benefits. They are versatile in both sweet and savory dishes, from roasted sides to creamy desserts. Whether baked, mashed, or blended into soups and smoothies, purple sweet potatoes add a delicious pop of color and nutrition to any meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium purple sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if roasting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Sweet Potatoes – Wash the purple sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Use a scrub brush if necessary to remove dirt from the skin.

  • Cooking Options:

    • Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 45-50 minutes until tender.
    • Boiling: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil in a pot of water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
    • Steaming: Cut the sweet potatoes into cubes and steam them for about 15 minutes until soft.
  • Serving Suggestions – Serve as a side dish, mash for a creamy texture, or incorporate into desserts, soups, or smoothies.

Notes

Purple sweet potatoes are denser than orange varieties, so they may take longer to cook.

Their natural sweetness pairs well with coconut milk, cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey.

Store unpeeled purple sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes (baking), 20 minutes (boiling)
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking, Boiling, Steaming
  • Cuisine: Asian, Hawaiian, Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 medium sweet potato
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 20mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0g

Keywords: purple sweet potato, baked sweet potato, roasted sweet potato, healthy side dish, gluten-free recipe, vegan sweet potato, anthocyanins, superfood

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