Purple Sweet Potato Recipe

Purple sweet potatoes are taking over kitchens worldwide, and for good reason. They offer an incredible combination of vibrant color, rich nutritional content, and versatility in cooking. From savory side dishes to decadent desserts, these tubers can do it all. In this guide, we’ll cover a wide variety of purple sweet potato recipes, from classic baked potatoes to unique, mouthwatering sweets.

Whether you’re already a fan or new to this superfood, you’ll find plenty of ideas to incorporate purple sweet potatoes into your meals.

Why Purple Sweet Potatoes?

Purple sweet potatoes stand out for their striking color, but their benefits go far beyond aesthetics. They are:

• Rich in antioxidants: The purple pigment is due to anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
• High in nutrients: Packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, they’re a healthy option for any diet.
• Versatile in recipes: From savory dishes to sweet treats, their slightly sweet, earthy flavor adapts well to a variety of recipes.

Popular varieties of purple sweet potatoes include Stokes Purple®, Okinawan sweet potatoes, and Molokai sweet potatoes. Each has slight differences in texture and flavor, but they are all packed with nutrients and a deep purple hue.

For more details on the types and benefits of purple sweet potatoes, check out this article.

The History Behind Purple Sweet Potatoes

Purple sweet potatoes have a rich history, particularly in places like Japan and Hawaii. Okinawan sweet potatoes are a staple in the diet of Okinawa, one of the world’s “Blue Zones” known for the longevity of its residents. In Hawaii, purple sweet potatoes, known as uala, were brought by Polynesian settlers centuries ago. The Stokes Purple® sweet potato is a relatively new variety, developed in the U.S. and grown primarily in California.

The cultural importance of these varieties is just as fascinating as their health benefits, contributing to their growing popularity worldwide. Read more about their cultural significance here.

How to Cook Purple Sweet Potatoes

There are numerous ways to prepare purple sweet potatoes, depending on your taste preferences and the dish you’re making. Below are the most popular cooking methods, each with its unique benefits.

Baking Purple Sweet Potatoes

Baking is one of the easiest ways to cook purple sweet potatoes. It’s ideal for those who enjoy the texture of baked potatoes but want a healthier, nutrient-dense option. Baking brings out the natural sweetness while maintaining the rich, earthy flavor of the potato.

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and poke holes all over with a fork.
3. Rub each potato with olive oil for crispier skin.
4. Bake for 40–50 minutes until soft and tender.
5. Once baked, cut open and season with salt, pepper, or your favorite toppings.

For an extra crispy skin, you can increase the oven temperature to 450°F during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Boiling Purple Sweet Potatoes

Boiling is an excellent option for recipes like mashed sweet potatoes, soups, or stews. It’s also the best method for making sweet potato purees, which are a great base for desserts and baby food.

Steps:

1. Peel and cube the potatoes for faster cooking.
2. Add the cubed sweet potatoes to a large pot of salted water.
3. Bring to a boil and cook for 20–30 minutes or until fork-tender.
4. Drain and mash or blend as needed.

Boiling may reduce some of the nutritional content, so if you’re looking to preserve the most nutrients, consider steaming instead.

Steaming Purple Sweet Potatoes

Steaming is another way to cook purple sweet potatoes that preserves more of their vitamins and minerals. It’s a gentler process than boiling and works great for keeping the potatoes’ vibrant color intact.

Steps:

1. Peel the potatoes if desired (the skin contains many nutrients) and cut into uniform pieces.
2. Place the potatoes in a steamer basket over boiling water.
3. Cover and steam for 20–30 minutes, or until tender.
4. Serve with butter, herbs, or incorporate them into other dishes.

Steamed sweet potatoes can be used in both savory and sweet recipes. Their smooth texture works wonderfully in mashed potatoes or purees.

Savory Purple Sweet Potato Recipes

Purple sweet potatoes shine in a variety of savory dishes. Their mild flavor and creamy texture make them an excellent base for hearty meals.

Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary

Roasting brings out the earthy sweetness of purple sweet potatoes, and adding herbs like rosemary and garlic elevates their flavor. This dish is perfect as a side for meats or vegetarian main courses.

Ingredients:

• 4 purple sweet potatoes, cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

Serve this dish alongside grilled meats or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes with Herb Butter

Mashed purple sweet potatoes are a colorful twist on the classic comfort food. This recipe adds a flavorful herb butter for a savory touch.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium purple sweet potatoes, boiled
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
• 1/4 cup cream or milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil or steam the potatoes until fork-tender, then mash them.
2. Melt the butter and stir in the chopped herbs.
3. Mix the butter and cream into the mashed potatoes.
4. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.

This dish works beautifully as a side for roasts or grilled fish.

Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Craving something crunchy? These baked purple sweet potato fries are a healthy alternative to traditional fries. They’re easy to make and pair well with a variety of dipping sauces.

Ingredients:

• 3 large purple sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Cut the sweet potatoes into thin strips.
3. Toss the fries with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serve with ketchup, aioli, or a homemade garlic dip.

Sweet Purple Sweet Potato Recipes

Purple sweet potatoes aren’t just for savory dishes. Their natural sweetness makes them a fantastic ingredient in desserts as well.

Purple Sweet Potato Pie

Move over, pumpkin pie! Purple sweet potato pie is a stunning and delicious alternative, especially during the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups purple sweet potato puree
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1 pre-baked pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the sweet potato puree, sugar, butter, spices, and cream.
3. Pour the mixture into the pre-baked pie crust.
4. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the filling is set.

Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.

Purple Sweet Potato Chiffon Cake

For something lighter, a purple sweet potato chiffon cake is airy, fluffy, and full of flavor. Its vibrant color makes it a showstopper at any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups purple sweet potato puree
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cake flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 5 egg yolks
• 7 egg whites

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In one bowl, mix the sweet potato puree, sugar, flour, baking powder, and oil.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks until creamy.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold the egg whites into the sweet potato mixture until smooth.
6. Pour into a greased cake pan and bake for 35–40 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular sweet potatoes in these recipes?
Yes, you can substitute regular sweet potatoes in most recipes that call for purple sweet potatoes. However, there are some differences in taste and texture. Purple sweet potatoes are generally less sweet and have a denser, starchier texture compared to the more common orange sweet potatoes. While both types are versatile, the visual impact of purple sweet potatoes makes them stand out, especially in dishes where the vibrant color is key, such as pies or cakes. Using regular sweet potatoes will alter the final appearance and flavor slightly, but they will still work in most recipes.

Storing and Freezing Purple Sweet Potatoes

Once you’ve cooked your purple sweet potatoes, you can store them for later use. Proper storage ensures that they maintain their flavor and texture for several days.

• Storing in the Fridge: Place leftover cooked purple sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3–5 days. This method works well for prepped meal components like baked or mashed potatoes.
• Freezing Cooked Purple Sweet Potatoes: You can also freeze purple sweet potatoes. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe containers. They will keep for up to 3 months.

To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. Simply thaw frozen potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Additional Tips for Cooking Purple Sweet Potatoes

Here are some extra tips to ensure you get the best results when cooking purple sweet potatoes:

• Choose the Right Variety: Depending on the dish, select a variety like Stokes Purple® for roasting or Okinawan sweet potatoes for steaming. The Okinawan variety tends to be sweeter and works well in desserts.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking purple sweet potatoes can cause them to become too mushy. Use a fork to test for tenderness and remove them from heat as soon as they’re cooked through.
• Pairing with Other Ingredients: Purple sweet potatoes pair well with flavors like garlic, ginger, and coconut. For desserts, try them with vanilla, maple syrup, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Conclusion

Purple sweet potatoes offer a striking and delicious alternative to traditional varieties, bringing both visual appeal and nutritional benefits to your table. Whether you’re baking, mashing, or frying, their unique color and subtle flavor make them a fantastic choice for a variety of dishes. Plus, their versatility means you can easily incorporate them into both savory and sweet recipes, from fries and mashed potatoes to pies and cakes.

For more inspiration, check out this collection of recipes using purple sweet potatoes here.

With these recipes and tips, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of cooking with purple sweet potatoes. So, get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the endless possibilities these vibrant tubers have to offer!