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Sweet Potato Purée

Photo: c. foodblogchef 2021

I confess, although healthy and good for you, sweet potatoes are not my favorite thing to eat, but this recipe is the exception. I love it! Creamy and luscious with notes of orange, a hint of nutmeg, and a whisper of heat, it’s almost like eating warm orange sherbet! Serve it with Baked Scallops in Wine Sauce and wow your family and guests. Bon appétit!

Sweet Potato Purée
Serves 6

Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

  • 1/2 cup half-and-half

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest

  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Preparation:

  1. Place a steamer insert or a mesh colander in a large pot and add enough water to reach the bottom of the steamer. Place the sweet potatoes in the steamer and bring the water to a boil. Cover the pot, lower the heat, and cook over simmering water for about 25 minutes, until very tender. Check occasionally to be sure the water doesn't boil away. Alternatively, simply boil the chunks the way you would white potatoes, covered with some lightly salted water, until very tender.

  2. Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a food processor. With the processor on low, slowly add the half-and-half, orange zest, orange juice, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until incorporated. Add the softened butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, with the processor on low until incorporated and smooth. If necessary adjust the seasonings to your taste. Serve hot.

Adapted from: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/sweet-potato-puree-5486130