RECIPE - Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Purê de Batata-doce)

This simple recipe for mashed sweet potatoes, made more interesting with the addition of green apple, onions and spices, comes from the northeastern Brazilian state of Piauí. It can be made with either white-fleshed or yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes. I've made it with the white-fleshed variety, which is all that is available in my local markets here in Fortaleza, but I'm sure it would be delicious with the yellow-fleshed type as well. It's great with roast chicken or pot-roasts of beef. Since sweet potato is so nutritious, serving it alongside a protein, then adding a green salad, is all that's needed for a quick, well-balanced meal.
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RECIPE - Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Purê de Batata-doce)
Serves 4

2 lbs (1 kg) sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 medium green apple, peeled and cubed
3 Tbsp. butter
1 medium onion, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground ginger
3 Tbsp. whipping cream
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Boil the sweet potatoes in plenty of water until they are very tender. In another small pan, do the same with the apple cubes - they will take much less time. While they are cooking, melt the butter in a small frying pan, add the onions, and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and transparent but not browned. Reserve.

Drain both the sweet potatoes and the apple, combine them in a large bowl, and mash them, by hand or with a mixer, until they are fluffy and light. Add to the mashed sweet potatoes, then stir in the nutmeg and ginger. Finally, add the cream, and stir until you have a homogenous mixture.

Serve immediately.


Recipe translated and adapted from Cozinha Regional Brazileira by Abril Editora