📝 About This Recipe
Transform humble root vegetables into a vibrant, velvety masterpiece that kids will absolutely adore. This recipe balances the natural caramel sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a touch of maple and warm cinnamon, creating a nutrient-dense side dish that feels like a treat. It’s the perfect veggie-forward addition to any family meal, offering a creamy texture that even the pickiest eaters can't resist.
🥗 Ingredients
The Base
- 3 large Sweet Potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 medium Carrots (peeled and sliced into rounds for extra beta-carotene)
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (for the boiling water)
The Creamy Elements
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (at room temperature)
- 1/3 cup Whole Milk or Coconut Milk (warmed slightly)
- 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt (plain, for a tangy protein boost)
Seasoning & Sweetener
- 1-2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup (depending on desired sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (high quality)
- 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (to enhance the natural sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (to balance flavors)
Optional Toppings
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives (finely snipped for a savory twist)
- 2 tablespoons Toasted Pecans (finely crushed (optional for kids))
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Fill a large stockpot with water and add 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
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2
While the water heats, peel the sweet potatoes and carrots. Cut the potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes and the carrots into thin rounds to ensure they cook at the same rate.
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3
Carefully add the sweet potatoes and carrots to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium-high to maintain a steady simmer.
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4
Boil for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender. Test this by piercing a larger piece with a fork; it should slide off easily without resistance.
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5
While the vegetables cook, place the butter and milk in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds until the butter is melted and the milk is warm.
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6
Drain the cooked vegetables thoroughly in a colander. Let them sit for 2 minutes in the colander to allow excess steam to escape, which prevents a watery mash.
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7
Return the drained vegetables to the warm pot. The residual heat from the pot will help evaporate any remaining moisture.
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8
Use a potato masher to crush the vegetables until mostly smooth. For an ultra-silky 'kid-approved' texture, you can use an electric hand mixer on low speed.
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9
Gradually pour in the warm milk and butter mixture while continuing to mash or mix.
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10
Fold in the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
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11
Whip the mixture for another 30 seconds until it is light, fluffy, and completely combined.
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12
Taste the mash. If it needs more sweetness, add another drizzle of maple syrup; if it’s too thick, add a splash more warm milk.
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13
Transfer the mash to a warm serving bowl. Smooth the top with a spoon and create a small swirl in the center.
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14
Garnish with a tiny pinch of cinnamon or fresh chives if your kids enjoy herbs, and serve immediately while steaming hot.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the smoothest texture, avoid using a food processor as it can make the starch gummy; use a ricer or hand mixer instead. If your kids are sensitive to textures, ensure the carrots are sliced very thinly so they disappear completely into the mash. You can swap the butter for coconut oil and the milk for almond milk for a delicious dairy-free version. Make a double batch and freeze leftovers in silicone muffin tins for easy, pre-portioned veggie sides during the week. Always warm your liquid ingredients before adding them to the potatoes to keep the mash hot and fluffy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside crispy baked chicken tenders for a healthy 'comfort food' dinner. Pair with roasted broccoli florets for a colorful 'rainbow' plate. Use a small ice cream scoop to serve 'sunshine scoops' to make the meal fun for toddlers. Goes beautifully with a glass of cold apple cider or a simple fruit salad. Top with a few mini marshmallows and briefly broil for a festive holiday-style treat.