Savory Spiced Sweet Potato Purée

A silky, savory take on the classic holiday side — lightly spiced with warm Mediterranean notes and just enough cream to make it lush.

Serves: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds small sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 2–3 tablespoons whipping cream or sour cream
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Boil:
   Place diced sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well.
2. Mash or Purée:
   Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the warm pot. Add olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and nutmeg. Mash with a potato masher or purée in a food processor until smooth.
3. Adjust Texture:
   Add cream or sour cream a spoonful at a time until you reach a silky consistency.
4. Finish:
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Drizzle with olive oil and top with fresh herbs before serving.

Nutrition & Culinary Medicine Notes

Sweet potatoes are not true potatoes but root tubers rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A that supports vision, immune function, and skin health. They also contain soluble fiber, which supports gut health and stabilizes blood sugar. Cooking them with olive oil improves carotenoid absorption — a small but powerful Mediterranean principle.

Mediterranean Diet Points

1 point for root vegetables.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~180
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 170mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 2g

This dish highlights the natural sweetness and nutrition of the sweet potato — comfort food, elevated by science and simplicity.