Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 1 kg (2 lbs) sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into large chunks
- 10 stalks fresh thyme
Butter Mixture
- 5 tbsp butter, room temperature or melted (plus extra knob for garnish)
- 2-3 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup whipping/heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and chop them into large chunks. Place them in a large pot or Dutch oven and add just enough water to cover the potatoes.
- Cook Potatoes with Thyme: Place the pot over medium-high heat. Season the water generously with salt and add a handful of fresh thyme stalks. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and Steam: Drain the potatoes well and allow them to steam in the colander or pot for 10 minutes. This step helps remove excess water for a creamier mash.
- Infuse Butter Mixture: In a large saucepan, melt several tablespoons of butter with honey, heavy cream, and a few fresh thyme sprigs together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and allow it to infuse with the thyme aroma.
- Mash and Combine: Mash or blend the drained sweet potatoes until smooth. Strain out the thyme from the butter mixture, then stir this mixture into the mashed potatoes until fully combined and creamy.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes into a serving bowl, top with an additional knob of butter and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Use heavy cream for extra richness, but milk or a dairy-free alternative can work in a pinch.
- Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness; start with 2 tablespoons and add more if preferred.
- Steaming the potatoes after draining helps to avoid watery mashed potatoes.
- Fresh thyme is preferred, but dried thyme can be substituted; reduce quantity by half if using dried.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, poultry, or as part of a vegetarian holiday spread.
- For a smoother texture, use a hand blender or food processor to mash the potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
