This savory sweet potato casserole is a delicious and healthy alternative to the traditional sweet potato casserole. Made with sweet potatoes, garlic, with a delicious honey walnut topping, this casserole is perfect for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner!
2poundssweet potatoespeeled, cut into even sized chunks
2teaspoonsgarlic powder
salt and pepperto taste
½cupmilksubstitute plant-based milk
2tablespoonsbuttersubstitute olive oil
1teaspoonpaprika
For the topping:
1tablespoonhoneysubstitute golden syrup
½cupwalnutschopped coarsely
2tablespoonsfresh parsleychopped
½teaspoonolive oil
⅛teaspoonsalt
cayenneoptional, a pinch
Instructions
Place the sweet potato pieces in a large pot and cover them with water. Make sure the water level is about 1-2 inches above the potatoes. Add a pinch of salt.
Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sweet potatoes simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain the sweet potatoes in a colander and transfer back to the pot over medium heat.
While the sweet potatoes are boiling, you can warm up the butter, milk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a small saucepan or in the microwave until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm. Avoid boiling this mixture.
Once you have drained the water, promptly put the sweet potatoes back into the hot pot, return to the stove and reduce the heat to low. If needed, grab oven mitts to securely hold the pot handles and gently shake it for approximately 1 minute to cook off any remaining steam inside the potatoes.
Finally, remove the pot from the heat and place it on a flat, heat-resistant surface.
Mash the potatoes to your desired consistency with a potato masher or fork.
Preheat the oven to 320ºF and grease a 9x13 inches casserole dish.
Drizzle the melted butter mixture over the potatoes, and mix it in with a wooden spoon or spatula until the potatoes have absorbed the liquid. Taste the mixture, and season with more salt, pepper, and/or smoked paprika as required to suit your taste. Set the mixture aside.
Take a small bowl and mix the honey, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley and walnut topping ingredients together unti they are thoroughly combined.
Evenly spread the mashed sweet potatoes in the casserole dish, and sprinkle the walnut topping over it uniformly.
Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the walnuts are toasted and aromatic, but not overcooked, and the potatoes are heated through.
Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Use high-quality sweet potatoes. Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, with smooth, unblemished skin, and no signs of decay.
Pop sweet potatoes in the microwave if you want to avoid using up the stove while boiling the potatoes. This is my favorite Thanksgiving tip!
Don't be afraid to spice things up. Sweet potatoes can be bland on their own so don't forget to add enough spices and herbs such as cayenne, fresh sage, fresh thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor.
Use a food processor instead of chopping the walnuts for better consistency