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
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk, Bacon, and Cilantro
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
- 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.
- Add the garlic and chicken bouillon powder, nutmeg, sauteed bacon, salt and pepper; stir well.
- Before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro.
Recipe Notes
Shema | LifeScoops says
Love side for the Thanksgiving table!!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Shema! I have eaten and eaten this dish and never get tired of it…
Lail | With A Spin says
This mashed sweet potato sounds absolutely delicious, Denise. This is brilliant. I will have to minus the bacon, but loving everything else. Will be trying soon.
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Lail! For those who don’t eat pork, just skip the bacon.
Coffee and Crumpets says
Makes a great change from the usual Thanksgiving sides! Of course, my hubby won’t let me take out the sweet potato casserole, but I can make this too (minus the bacon :))
Looks fabulous!
Nazneen
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Nazneen! Enjoy!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
Denise, what a comfort food! I love using sweet potatoes in savory recipes as well, in fact that’s how I mostly use them. And bacon! It makes everything just so much better! 🙂
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Julia!!!! This mashed sweet potato dish is my favorite — and my students’ as well!!!
The Café Sucre Farine says
Thank you for sharing this treasure Denise, it sounds wonderful. I love the idea of using coconut milk, that’s just brilliant!
Denise Browning says
Hi, Chris! Thank you! My pleasure!
Daniela says
Love the sweet salty combination in these mashed potatoes recipe with a twist..
Looks and sounds delicious!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Daniela!
sallybr says
Another big winner in my book!
We love sweet potatoes, and you are right, would be a great side dish for Thanksgiving!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Sally! At my table as well.
Ash-foodfashionparty says
Yes, can’t believe Thanksgiving is right around. This would make for such a lovely side, the coconut milk sounds delicious in the recipe. I love cilantro.
A great dish Denise. Hope you are doing well girl.
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Ash! Yes, I have recovered from my sickness.
john@kitchenriffs says
Fun recipe! I mainly use sweet potatoes in savory recipes, and love to mash them. I’ve included bacon before, but never coconut milk. Love the idea! Thanks so much.
Denise Browning says
Thanks, John! The coconut milk gives a mild yet nice flavor to the dish.
Liz says
Mmmmm….this sounds like a delicious way to eat sweet potatoes! And everything is better with a little bacon 🙂
Denise Browning says
🙂 I agree with you, Liz! Everything is better with bacon!!!
Sugar et al says
How generous of you to share such a lovely recipe! It definitely sounds and looks incredible. I can’t wait to get hold of some sweet potatoes.
Denise Browning says
Thanks, my dear Sonali! Totally my pleasure!
francesca says
potatoes, bacon, cilantro and sweet cocos!? this combination sounds wonderful.
Denise Browning says
I am glad that you like this combination, Francesca!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
LOVE mashed sweet taters with coconut. Just so tropical!!
Denise Browning says
Yes, very Brazilian… 🙂
Abbe @ Abbe's Cooking Antics says
Denise, this looks like food to drop your face in! You can never have enough sweet potatoes, it’s the best comfort food there is 🙂
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Abbe!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
Love sweet potatoes with bacon. Adding the coconut milk makes this become heavenly!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Abbe! see ya soon.
Deb says
What a marvelous Thanksgiving side! I can envision this scrumptious mashed sweet potato recipe with roast chicken or a pork loin, the pairing of flavors is luscious!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Deb! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Mi Vida en un Dulce says
We used to make mashed sweet potato for Christmas, Love it.
Denise Browning says
It is one of my favorite sides too, Nydia!
Dedy@Dentist Chef says
Lovin mashed sweet potato !
especially the japanese bright purple ones, made a fancy plating
i guess a little of parmesan will made this just perfet for my licking!
Denise Browning says
You can certainly use the purple sweet potatoes in this recipe.
Laura King says
Thank you for sharing this fabulous recipe…even though I thoroughly enjoy attending your classes 🙂
I’m excited to have a new recipe to take home to my family for Thanksgiving!! I can’t wait to try it, I’m certain it will be delicious!
Denise Browning says
Laura: Thank you so much…I hope you and your family enjoy this dish which it is a favorite of mine!
mimi says
carrots! I never have thought of this. thanks so much!
nusrat2010 says
Cuteness, beauty all over! The props, the styling, the ingenious recipe…what not to love about this post?
I’ll try this sweet potato delicacy tomorrow …Sunday lunch 🙂
Many thanks for the marvelous post, doll-face 🙂
Denise Browning says
Enjoy, Nusrat! It is one of my all-time fav sides.
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
Sweet potato with coconut milk! That’s a great idea that I’ve never thought of, Denise! I love using coconut milk. I didn’t grow up with coconut milk at all so I enjoy using it in different dishes. This is a good one that I’d love to try!
Denise Browning says
Hi, Nami! I love coconut and its derivatives. It is always my non-dairy first option. I hope you try and enjoy this recipe which is my very favorite. Thanks for stopping by!
marcela says
i looks so tasty! and the color is insane! i love this dish!
Denise Browning says
This is my favorite recipe for mashed sweet potatoes, Marcela!
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
I love everything in here Denise, it sounds just wonderful!
Denise Browning says
Thank you, Chris!!! I hope you can try this dish one day. It is my fave mashed sweet potatoes.
Kristina says
OMG! Amazing! Better than mashed potatoes with butter! So creamy and flavorful! Will be on my menu regularly!
Denise Browning says
Hi, Kristina! Thank you! I am glad that you enjoyed this recipe that is a long time family fave.
Matt says
Those look yummy. Can’t get enough of sweet potatoes. And I’m a fan of coconut milk myself. Thanks! (BTW, I’m having a hard time reading; the fonts are too light.)
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Matt, for both stopping by and letting me know about the font. I will take care of it… I also apologize for the inconvenience.
I hope you try this recipe and enjoy as much as I do. Have a great holiday!