Prepare a Purple Sweet Potato Recipe Like a Chef

Purple sweet potatoes are a delightful and colorful twist on the traditional orange variety. These eye-catching tubers not only bring a pop of color to your plate but also offer a unique flavor profile and numerous health benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of purple sweet potatoes, from their origins to their nutritional value, and share some mouthwatering recipes that will have you rushing to the kitchen to try them out.

What Are Purple Sweet Potatoes?

Purple sweet potatoes are a variety of sweet potato that, as the name suggests, have a vibrant purple flesh. They come in several different types, including:

1. Stokes Purple: Developed by Mike Sizemore, a sweet potato farmer in North Carolina, this variety has a dark purple skin and flesh.
2. Okinawan Purple: Native to Japan, this type has a beige outer skin and a deep purple interior.
3. Ube: Although often confused with purple sweet potatoes, ube is actually a different species of yam popular in Filipino cuisine.

These purple beauties have been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in the United States, due to their striking appearance and potential health benefits.

Nutritional Benefits of Purple Sweet Potatoes

Purple sweet potatoes aren’t just pretty to look at; they’re also packed with nutrients that can contribute to a healthy diet. Here are some of the key nutritional benefits:

• High in antioxidants: The deep purple color comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that may help protect against certain diseases.
• Rich in vitamins: Purple sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A.
• Good source of fiber: They provide a healthy dose of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.
• Low glycemic index: Despite their sweet taste, purple sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index compared to regular potatoes, making them a good choice for blood sugar management.
• Mineral-rich: They contain important minerals like potassium, manganese, and copper.

Cooking with Purple Sweet Potatoes

Now that we know about the nutritional powerhouse that is the purple sweet potato, let’s dive into some delicious ways to prepare them. Purple sweet potatoes can be used in many of the same ways as their orange counterparts, but their slightly drier and less sweet nature means they can work even better in some recipes.

Roasted Purple Sweet Potato Wedges

One of the simplest and most delicious ways to enjoy purple sweet potatoes is by roasting them. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Prepare a Purple Sweet Potato Recipe Like a Chef

These recipes will transform your meals.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: purple sweet potato

Servings: 4

Calories: 780kcal

Author: Alice Ketty

Equipment

• Bowl

Ingredients

• 2 large purple sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Wash and dry the purple sweet potatoes, then cut them into wedges.
• In a large bowl, toss the wedges with olive oil and seasonings.
• Spread the wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Nutrition

Calories: 780kcal | Carbohydrates: 121g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 2300mg | Fiber: 19g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 400IU

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Purple Sweet Potato Mash

For a colorful twist on a classic comfort food, try this purple sweet potato mash:

Ingredients:

• 3 large purple sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
• 2 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop the purple sweet potatoes into cubes.
2. Boil the cubes in a pot of water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
4. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
5. Mash until smooth, adding more milk if needed for desired consistency.

The result is a creamy, purple side dish that’s sure to be a conversation starter at any dinner table.

Purple Sweet Potato Soup

For a warming and comforting meal, try this purple sweet potato soup:

Ingredients:

• 2 large purple sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Add cubed purple sweet potatoes and ginger, stirring to coat.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if desired.

This vibrant purple soup is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrients.

Baking with Purple Sweet Potatoes

Purple sweet potatoes can also be used in baking, adding both color and nutrition to your sweet treats. Here are a couple of recipes to try:

Purple Sweet Potato Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed purple sweet potatoes
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix mashed purple sweet potatoes, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool before serving.

This purple twist on the classic sweet potato pie is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.

Purple Sweet Potato Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup mashed purple sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, mashed purple sweet potatoes, milk, oil, egg, and vanilla.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide the batter among the muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

These muffins make for a colorful and nutritious breakfast or snack option.

Tips for Buying and Storing Purple Sweet Potatoes

To make the most of your purple sweet potato recipes, it’s important to choose good quality potatoes and store them properly. Here are some tips:

• Selecting: Choose firm purple sweet potatoes without any soft spots or blemishes. The skin should be smooth and free from wrinkles.
• Storing: Keep your purple sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. Avoid refrigerating them as this can affect their flavor and texture.
• Shelf life: When stored properly, purple sweet potatoes can last for 3-5 weeks.
• Preparation: Wash your purple sweet potatoes just before use. You can eat the skin, which contains many nutrients, but make sure to scrub it well.

Purple Sweet Potatoes in Different Cuisines

While we’ve covered some basic recipes, it’s worth noting that purple sweet potatoes are used in various cuisines around the world. Here are a few examples:

1. Japanese Cuisine: In Japan, purple sweet potatoes are often used in desserts. They’re made into a paste called “murasaki-imo an” which is used as a filling for mochi or as a topping for shaved ice.
2. Hawaiian Cuisine: In Hawaii, purple sweet potatoes are a staple food. They’re often simply boiled and mashed, or used in traditional dishes like lomi lomi salmon.
3. Filipino Cuisine: While not exactly the same as purple sweet potatoes, the similar ube is widely used in Filipino desserts, from ice cream to cakes and pastries.
4. American Cuisine: In the United States, purple sweet potatoes are gaining popularity and are being incorporated into traditional dishes like pies, fries, and casseroles for a colorful twist.

Creative Uses for Purple Sweet Potatoes

Beyond the recipes we’ve discussed, there are many other creative ways to incorporate purple sweet potatoes into your diet:

• Purple Sweet Potato Toast: Slice purple sweet potatoes lengthwise and toast them for a colorful, gluten-free alternative to bread.
• Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi: Use mashed purple sweet potatoes to make vibrant, homemade gnocchi.
• Purple Sweet Potato Smoothie: Add cooked and cooled purple sweet potato to your morning smoothie for a nutritious boost and beautiful color.
• Purple Sweet Potato Salad: Cube roasted purple sweet potatoes and add them to your favorite salad for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Purple Sweet Potato Chips: Thinly slice purple sweet potatoes and bake or fry them for a healthier chip alternative.

Conclusion

Purple sweet potatoes are a versatile, nutritious, and visually stunning ingredient that can add a pop of color and a boost of nutrients to a wide variety of dishes. From simple roasted wedges to complex desserts, these vibrant tubers offer endless culinary possibilities.

Whether you’re looking to add more antioxidants to your diet, experiment with new flavors, or simply impress your dinner guests with a unique dish, purple sweet potatoes are an excellent choice. So next time you’re at the grocery store or farmers market, pick up some of these purple beauties and let your culinary creativity run wild!

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and fun. Don’t be afraid to try new things and adapt these recipes to your taste preferences. Who knows? You might just create your new favorite purple sweet potato dish!