| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 167 | 7g | 4.5g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 11g | 4g | 2g | 0.1g |
Born in the palette of rich, hearty flavors characteristic of Nebraska, this tantalizing recipe of Myrtle Cinnamon Spiced Sweet Potato Mash is a testament to my admiration of seasonal ingredients and local produce. A unique fruit infused variation of the classic mash, this dish effortlessly marries the earthy charm of sweet potatoes with the refreshing burst of myrtle berries. By giving center stage to robust, provincial flavors, this recipe not only harks back to my heartland roots but also introduces a vibrant twist to a comfort food staple.
Navigating the Flavors
This Myrtle Cinnamon Spiced Sweet Potato Mash echoes the resonating flavors of the Midwest. With the warmth of the autumnal spices – cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves artfully amalgamated with the gratifying texture of the sweet potatoes and the fruity undertones of the myrtle berries, every mouthful of this dish leaves you with a fulfilling and pleasantly familiar taste. This dish is not far from your traditional cinnamon spiced apple pie or a soul-warming chunky pumpkin soup: it’s your classic comfort food, dialed up a notch.
Health: An Added Ingredient
Asides from being an explosion of flavors in your mouth, this sweet potato mash has various health benefits to brag about. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A which promotes eye health and boosts your immune system. Nor should we overlook the antioxidant properties of myrtle berries. These berries are not just a flavor powerhouse but also have a high Vitamin C and fiber content. The stand-out ingredient here is the cinnamon which brings not just a signature flavour but also aids in managing your blood sugar levels making it a great dish for those with diabetes.
The beauty of this recipe also lies in its versatility; it can stand out as the central attraction of your dinner table or can accompany a succulent roast chicken, a deliciously seared steak or even your Thanksgiving turkey. It’s an absolute win-win, bringing on board a hint of nostalgia, a dash of health, and a bag full of flavours!
What You’ll Need
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup of myrtle berries
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp of ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup of packed light brown sugar
Method
Step One
Begin by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Place them in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they are tender, roughly 15-20 minutes.
Step Two
While the potatoes are boiling, take a small saucepan and add the myrtle berries. Cook them over medium heat until they release their juices, about 5 minutes. Drain off the juice and save for later.
Step Three
In the same saucepan you used for the myrtle berries, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted add the milk, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
Step Four
Once the potatoes are done, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the myrtle berry juice saved earlier and the butter and spice mixture. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes, incorporating the juice and butter mixture as you go.
Step Five
Continue mashing until you achieve the desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother mash, you may want to use an immersion blender to finish the job. Serve hot and enjoy your Myrtle Cinnamon Spiced Sweet Potato Mash.
