Prepare to transform your ordinary side dish into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Sweet Spicy Cocoa Smashed Sweet Potatoes are not just a recipe—they're a taste revolution that combines the creamy comfort of sweet potatoes with the unexpected excitement of cocoa and cayenne. Imagine a dish that dances between sweet, spicy, and rich, challenging everything you thought you knew about potato sides. One bite, and you'll be hooked on this irresistible flavor combination that turns a simple vegetable into a gourmet experience.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Place the sweet potato cubes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and cook for 15-20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart.
- Drain the sweet potatoes in a colander and return them to the warm pot to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Using a potato masher or the back of a large spoon, gently smash the sweet potato cubes, leaving some texture and chunks.
- Sprinkle cocoa powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and salt over the smashed sweet potatoes.
- Gently fold the spices into the sweet potatoes, ensuring even distribution without completely mashing them.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with an additional light dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the complex sweet, spicy, and rich cocoa flavors.
Tips
- Choose the right sweet potatoes: Select firm, uniform-sized sweet potatoes for consistent cooking.
- Don't overcook: Test potatoes with a fork after 15 minutes to maintain the perfect tender-but-not-mushy texture.
- Keep some chunks: When smashing, leave some texture for an interesting mouthfeel.
- Adjust spice level: Start with less cayenne and add more to taste if you prefer more heat.
- Serve immediately: These potatoes are best enjoyed hot, when the spices are most fragrant and flavors are most vibrant.
- Optional garnish: A light sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped chives can add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution when boiling the sweet potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
