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Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes with Vanilla

This recipe creates a comforting and aromatic side dish of mashed sweet potatoes infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Sweet potato chunks are simmered in chicken broth, then mashed with warm milk, butter, and seasonings for a smooth and flavorful accompaniment perfect for any meal.
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Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: lunch/dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 1361.8
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 3 lb sweet potatoes peeled and cut into approximately 3" chunks
  • 1 C reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2/3 C fat-free milk "plus" we used over the moon
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 1 Vegetable Peeler
  • 1 Chef's Knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Large Pot with Lid For boiling/simmering sweet potatoes
  • 1 Potato Masher Alternatively, a fork or immersion blender for smoother consistency

Method
 

  1. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into approximately 3-inch chunks, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
  2. Place the sweet potato chunks into a large pot and pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth.
  3. Bring the broth and sweet potatoes to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Carefully drain the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly, discarding the broth, and return the sweet potatoes to the dry pot.
  5. Using a potato masher, mash the sweet potatoes to your desired consistency – smooth or with a few small lumps.
  6. In a separate small saucepan, gently heat the fat-free milk and butter over low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm; do not boil.
  7. Pour the warm milk and butter mixture over the mashed sweet potatoes, then add the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract.
  8. Stir vigorously with a spoon or whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the sweet potatoes are creamy and uniformly seasoned.
  9. Taste the mashed sweet potatoes and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding a pinch of salt if desired to enhance the flavors.
  10. Serve the Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes with Vanilla warm as a delightful and aromatic side dish.

Notes

To elevate the flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a tiny bit of ground ginger alongside the cinnamon. For a richer, more luxurious texture, you could substitute the fat-free milk with whole milk or even a touch of heavy cream. Ensure the sweet potatoes are thoroughly drained after cooking to prevent a watery mash. For a deeper flavor, lightly brown the butter before adding it to the milk; this adds a nutty, complex note. Don't overcook the sweet potatoes, as they can become mushy; they should be just tender enough to mash easily.