Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk, Bacon, and Cilantro

I can’t believe it… Thanksgiving is already knocking at the door.  Since it is just around the corner, we will be making great holiday side dishes this week.  The first will be my famous Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk, Bacon, and Cilantro, which is both gluten-and-dairy-free.  This will be a rare exception, because normally to get ahold of this recipe you would have to attend one of my classes.  But this will be a gift from me to you, because I am grateful for your readership.

These mashed sweet potatoes will be something new to present to your family and guests.  I know that Americans tend to use sweet potatoes in sweet preparations or in traditional candied sweet potato casseroles with pecans and marshmallows.  And regular mashed potatoes are the most popular holiday side dish.

Well, why not change things up a bit this year and try my famous mashed sweet potatoes?  Famous?  Yes!  I think that I’ve never mentioned it here, but this is without a doubt the most well-appreciated and well-remembered side dish from my cooking classes.  All my students have loved these mashed potatoes– I mean, every single time that they return to my new classes, they let me know how much they enjoy these mashed sweet potatoes and how they make them frequently at home.  You can imagine how much that makes me smile!

I am following the Brazilian trend of using sweet potatoes not only in desserts but also in savory dishes such as mashed sweet potatoes and stir-fried sliced sweet potatoes.  My famous mashed sweet potatoes was inspired by the Brazilian dish quibebe or mashed pumpkin with coconut milk and cilantro.

Although most Brazilians use milk in their mashed sweet potatoes, I use coconut milk in mine.  I am from the Northeast region where coconut milk is abundant and ever-present at our tables.  If you are not a fan of coconut milk, no worries– although you might be surprised by how mild its taste is, you can replaced it with milk, if desired. 🙁 You can also substitute parsley instead of cilantro if you prefer.

Try my mashed sweet potatoes this holiday season… I’d love to hear your feedback!

xx

5 from 8 votes

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Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk, Bacon, and Cilantro

Don't be fool by its simplicity. These mashed sweet potatoes are the best!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 8

Author Denise Browning

Ingredients

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3/4 cup coconut milk heated
• 1-1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Knorr chicken flavor bouillon ** powder
• 1 pinch freshly ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup fully cooked smoked bacon cut into small pieces and sauteed
• Salt and black ground pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• ** Knorr chicken flavor bouillon powder is available at Latin markets and also at local supermarkets (Latin aisle).

Instructions

1. Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot of cold salted water until very tender (about 15 minutes). Drain. Let stand in colander 2-5 minutes. Purée sweet potatoes with a potato ricer or masher; then, stir in the coconut milk until mixture is homogeneous and creamy.
2. Add the garlic and chicken bouillon powder, nutmeg, sauteed bacon, salt and pepper; stir well.
3. Before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro.

Recipe Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat just before serving and add the chopped cilantro.