Take a break from the marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes this holiday season and try this comforting recipe! This dish will take you back to a good memory, even if you have never eaten it before. It’s just that good! The creamy sweet potatoes pair beautifully with the earthy walnuts, making this a comforting side dish with notes of sophistication. While it may not have you extending your pinky as you sip tea, it will be a big hit at your dinner table. It just adds a little extra deliciousness to your spread!
Sweet potatoes and walnuts go together like peanut butter and jelly. Crunchy walnuts add the perfect textural contrast to luxuriously creamy sweet potatoes. Although sweet potato recipes are more popular doing fall, they are a year-round produce item. Enjoy them whenever you can! Besides their addictive flavor, sweet potatoes are really good for you. They are naturally rich in many vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health. Specifically, sweet potatoes exhibit the following health benefits:
- They contain sporamins, which are unique proteins that account for over 80% of their total protein content. Researchers note that these proteins exhibit antioxidant properties, which may help protect your cells.
- Like other plant-based foods, sweet potatoes contain a number of plant compounds that may protect the body in one way or another. Sweet potatoes contain a lot of beta-carotene, which is a carotenoid that the body converts to vitamin A. By adding fat to the meal (walnuts in the case of this recipe), you can increase the absorption of this compound.
- Finally, researchers note that the dietary fiber in sweet potatoes can help benefit the gut. One study found that the fiber in sweet potatoes acts as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of healthy gut bacteria. That helps improve both digestion and immune function!
- Prep Time:5m
- Cook Time:15m
- Total Time:20m
- Serves: 2 servings
- Category: Sides, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp. vegan butter
- sea salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 c walnuts
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- While the water is boiling, peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Add them to the boiling water and simmer until fork-tender (about 10-15 minutes).
- Drain the water and keep the sweet potatoes in the pot. Place the pot back over medium-low heat and add the vegan butter, sea salt, and pepper. Mash until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a bowl and top with walnuts. Serve and enjoy.
