Purple sweet potato is a unique and vibrant ingredient that brings both color and subtle sweetness to a variety of dishes. With its striking purple hue and versatility in cooking, it has become a favorite among home chefs. In this guide, we’ll explore creative ways to cook with purple sweet potatoes, from savory meals to delicious desserts, helping you make the most of this eye-catching root vegetable. Whether you’re new to cooking with purple sweet potato or looking for fresh ideas, this article is packed with inspiration!
What Are Purple Sweet Potatoes?
Purple sweet potatoes, often called Okinawan or Hawaiian sweet potatoes, are known for their deep purple flesh and earthy, slightly sweet taste. Despite their name, they are not native to Hawaii but were introduced there long ago. Over time, they have become a staple in many kitchens due to their stunning color and versatility.
Unlike regular sweet potatoes, purple sweet potatoes have a denser texture, making them ideal for various cooking techniques. Their taste is mild but subtly sweet, making them a perfect addition to both savory and sweet dishes. They hold their shape well when cooked, and their color intensifies, adding a beautiful, eye-catching element to your dishes.
How to Prepare Purple Sweet Potatoes
Before we jump into specific recipes, it’s essential to understand how to prepare purple sweet potatoes for cooking. Like any other root vegetable, the first step is cleaning and peeling the tubers. Here’s a quick guide on how to prep them:
- Washing: Start by rinsing the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. You can use a vegetable brush to scrub them clean.
- Peeling: While the skin is edible, many recipes call for peeled potatoes. Use a sharp peeler to remove the skin. Be cautious, as purple sweet potatoes have firmer skin compared to other varieties.
- Chopping: Depending on the recipe, you might need to chop the potatoes into cubes, slices, or wedges. Due to their dense texture, use a sturdy knife for precise cuts.
- Boiling (Optional): Some dishes require boiled purple sweet potatoes. To boil, place the chopped potatoes in a pot of salted water and cook until tender, typically for about 20-25 minutes.
Now that we have the basics down, let’s explore the exciting ways you can cook with purple sweet potatoes.
Baked Purple Sweet Potatoes: A Simple, Yet Satisfying Dish
One of the easiest and most popular ways to cook purple sweet potatoes is by baking them. Baking enhances their natural sweetness and gives them a delightful texture. Here’s how you can bake them to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium purple sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: rosemary or thyme for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean. If desired, peel them. Cut them into wedges or halves, depending on your preference.
- Seasoning: Toss the purple sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs of your choice.
- Bake: Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the edges are crispy and golden, and the inside is tender.
- Serve: You can enjoy these baked purple sweet potatoes on their own or as a side dish with your favorite main course.
This method results in beautifully baked sweet potatoes that are soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor. You can pair them with a dipping sauce or drizzle some honey over them for a sweet twist.
Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes: A Creative Twist on a Classic
Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? By using purple sweet potatoes, you can give this classic dish a colorful makeover that’s sure to impress. The vibrant purple hue combined with the creamy texture creates a stunning side dish that pairs well with almost any meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium purple sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk or cream (adjust for desired consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are soft, about 20-25 minutes.
- Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with a potato masher or a hand mixer until smooth.
- Add Butter and Milk: Mix in the butter and milk, adjusting for your preferred level of creaminess. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: These mashed purple sweet potatoes can be served alongside roasted meats, vegetables, or as part of a festive meal.
The result is a creamy, rich, and visually stunning side dish that will add a pop of color to any dinner table.
Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes: A Crispy Delight
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of purple sweet potatoes while adding a crispy texture that makes them absolutely irresistible. This method is perfect for when you want something crispy on the outside but soft and flavorful on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium purple sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season the Potatoes: Toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roast: Spread the potatoes evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Roasted purple sweet potatoes make a great snack or a side dish. They can be enjoyed with a dipping sauce or simply on their own.
The crispy exterior paired with the soft, sweet interior makes roasted purple sweet potatoes a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and incredibly versatile.
Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi: A Fun and Delicious Pasta Alternative
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making gnocchi with purple sweet potatoes? Gnocchi, a type of Italian dumpling, is typically made with white potatoes, but substituting purple sweet potatoes adds a fun twist to this dish. The color and flavor will surprise and delight anyone who tries it.
Ingredients:
- 2 large purple sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or more as needed)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Boil the sweet potatoes until tender and mash them until smooth. Let them cool slightly.
- Mix the Dough: On a clean work surface, combine the mashed potatoes with the egg and a pinch of salt. Gradually add flour until a dough forms.
- Form Gnocchi: Roll small portions of the dough into long, thin logs. Cut into bite-sized pieces and gently press each piece with a fork to create the signature gnocchi ridges.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Remove and drain.
- Serve: You can serve purple sweet potato gnocchi with a variety of sauces, such as a brown butter sage sauce or a simple tomato sauce.
This dish is both fun to make and beautiful to serve, offering a unique and colorful twist on traditional gnocchi.
Purple Sweet Potato Desserts: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Believe it or not, purple sweet potatoes can also be used in desserts. Their natural sweetness makes them an excellent ingredient for pies, cakes, and even ice cream. Here are a couple of dessert ideas to inspire you.
Purple Sweet Potato Pie
A purple sweet potato pie is a colorful take on the traditional sweet potato pie. With a rich and creamy filling, this dessert is as delicious as it is stunning.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed purple sweet potatoes
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Serve: Let the pie cool before serving. You can top it with whipped cream for an extra treat.
Purple Sweet Potato Ice Cream
Yes, you can make ice cream with purple sweet potatoes! This dessert is a creamy and colorful way to enjoy sweet potatoes in a whole new form.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed purple sweet potatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed potatoes, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Freeze: Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze until firm.
- Serve: Scoop the ice cream and enjoy!
Conclusion
In conclusion, purple sweet potatoes are a versatile and visually striking ingredient that can enhance a wide variety of dishes. Their naturally sweet flavor, dense texture, and vibrant color make them an exciting addition to both savory and sweet recipes. Whether you’re baking, roasting, mashing, or even incorporating them into desserts, purple sweet potatoes offer endless possibilities for creativity in the kitchen.
From simple dishes like roasted purple sweet potatoes to more adventurous creations like purple sweet potato gnocchi or ice cream, this root vegetable allows you to experiment and elevate your meals. Plus, its unique appearance can add a special touch to your table, making it perfect for occasions where presentation matters just as much as flavor.
Now that you’ve learned various ways to prepare and cook with purple sweet potatoes, you can confidently incorporate them into your cooking routine. Whether you’re impressing guests with colorful dishes or enjoying a quiet meal at home, purple sweet potatoes will make your culinary creations stand out. So, the next time you’re grocery shopping, pick up some purple sweet potatoes and start experimenting with these delicious recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best way to cook purple sweet potatoes?
The best way to cook purple sweet potatoes depends on your personal preference. Baking, roasting, and boiling are popular methods that enhance their natural flavor. Each method yields a different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment!
Can purple sweet potatoes be used in desserts?
Absolutely! Their natural sweetness makes them a great addition to desserts like pies, cakes, and even ice cream. Their vibrant color also adds visual appeal to any dessert.
Do purple sweet potatoes taste different from regular sweet potatoes?
Purple sweet potatoes have a slightly denser texture and a more subtle sweetness compared to regular orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. They are versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet recipes.
How do I store purple sweet potatoes?
Store purple sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can alter their texture and flavor. Properly stored, they can last several weeks.
Are purple sweet potatoes difficult to cook?
Not at all! Purple sweet potatoes can be cooked similarly to other varieties of sweet potatoes. Just remember that they are slightly denser, so they may take a little longer to cook through.
Enjoy cooking with purple sweet potatoes and elevate your meals with their stunning color and flavor!