Sweet Potato Puree

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Make your own creamy, versatile Sweet Potato Puree using one of three simple methods: baking, steaming, or cooking in the Instant Pot. It’s ideal for sweet and savory recipes–from pies and soups, or even baby food!

Prep Time10

Cook Time50

Total Time1

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Jenné Claiborne

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed (about 3 cups). Keep the potatoes whole if baking.
2 cups water if steaming
1 tsp neutral oil such as avocado oil if baking

Instructions

Method 1: Stovetop Steaming

Pour water into a saucepan and cover with a steaming basket. Evenly distribute the cubed sweet potatoes in the basket and cover the pot.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Steam the sweet potatoes for 15 minutes, until fork tender.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Remove the lid and cool the potatoes for 10 minutes until they are safe to handle.
Transfer the sweet potatoes to a food processor and blend until smooth. If you do not have a food processor, do this in the blender or mash the sweet potatoes by hand with a potato masher until smooth.

Method 2: Instant Pot

Pour 2 cups of water into the Instant Pot and insert a steaming basket.
Evenly distribute the cubed sweet potatoes in the basket and lock in the Instant Pot lid.
Pressure cook the potatoes on HIGH for 5 minutes. Naturally release the steam for 10 minutes and then quick-release the remaining pressure.
Turn off the Instant Pot and remove the lid. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool until safe to handle, about 10 minutes.
Transfer the sweet potatoes to a food processor and blend until smooth. If you do not have a food processor, do this in the blender or mash the sweet potatoes by hand with a potato masher until smooth.
Store the potato puree covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Method 3: Baking

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Clean the sweet potatoes and dry them completely. For this method you do not need to peel or cube the potatoes.
Use a fork to poke holes in the two sweet potatoes, then rub each with one teaspoon of neutral oil to coat.
Place the sweet potatoes in a baking dish and bake for 45-60 minutes, until tender and fragrant. If your potatoes are larger they may need to bake for an extra 10-15 minutes. You will know they are cooked through when you can easily pierce them with a fork in the center part of the potato.
Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool until safe to handle, about 15 minutes.
Cut the sweet potatoes open. Scoop out the flesh and transfer it to a food processor. Blend until smooth. If you do not have a food processor, do this in the blender or mash the sweet potatoes by hand with a potato masher until smooth.
Store the potato puree covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Storage Directions

Refrigeration: Store puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing: Transfer puree to a freezer-safe airtight container – leaving a bit of space at the top to account for expansion – for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or defrost in the microwave.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Recipe Pro-Tips

Clean potatoes before cooking. Place the sweet potatoes in a colander and rinse with cold running water, scrubbing away any dirt or debris with your hands or a scrubber. Pat the potatoes completely dry before continuing your chosen cooking method.
Uniform cooking. For the best results, ensure your sweet potato pieces are of uniform size when cutting them for steaming or Instant Pop prep, or choose sweet potatoes that are the same size for baking. This ensures a smooth, consistent puree.
Check for doneness. Use a fork or knife to test if the sweet potatoes are tender after the recommended cooking time. If they’re not soft enough, continue cooking until they reach the desired tenderness.
Cool before blending. Allow the cooked sweet potatoes to cool slightly before blending. This helps you handle them safely, prevents the blender or food processor from overheating, and also achieves a smooth texture.
Adjust consistency. If your puree seems too thick, add a small amount of water or a splash of milk or vegetable broth (depending on flavor preference) and blend thoroughly. Add just one tablespoon of liquid at a time.

Nutrition