Serves a Crowd

Olive Oil, Caramelized Onion, and Sage Mashed Sweet Potatoes

November 11, 2009
3.5
4 Ratings
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

I created this recipe last Thanksgiving when I wanted a less sweet and more savory mashed sweet potato dish. It went over really well, and now I make it all the time because it's wonderful with virtually all types of meat. The sweetness of the potatoes is enhanced by smoky caramelized onions and robust sage. I recommend using a high quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling and the freshest sage you can find. —Food Blogga

Continue After Advertisement
Ingredients
  • 2 large, orange fleshed sweet potates, scrubbed, peeled and diced (about 4 cups diced)
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided (regular olive oil is fine for cooking)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 4-5 fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced crosswise
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 7-8 cranks freshly ground black pepper
  • 1-2 teaspoons quality extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Directions
  1. Place diced potatoes in a medium saucepan. Cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain immediately.
  2. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and brown sugar; stir occasionally, until the onions caramelize and turn a deep golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
  3. In a small skillet over medium heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add sliced sage leaves and saute until lightly crisp. Remove from heat.
  4. Using a hand-held potato masher or an electric mixer, mash potatoes to desired consistency. Add the caramelized onions and the crisp sage leaves in olive oil to the potatoes. Add coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well blended. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a little sea salt before serving.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

9 Reviews

Mardi M. February 3, 2010
What a wonderful combination of flavours!
lastnightsdinner November 12, 2009
I could see myself eating an entire giant bowl of this - yum!
Food B. November 18, 2009
Trust me, it's not hard. I know from experience. ;)
Maria T. November 12, 2009
Beautiful, brilliant combination.
Food B. November 12, 2009
Many thanks!
Kelsey B. November 12, 2009
You had me at caramelized onion.. what a great combo of flavors here!
Food B. November 12, 2009
I'm a sucker for caramelized onions too. Thanks!
TasteFood November 12, 2009
This is a winner of a combination. You cannot beat sweet potatoes and sage. What a wonderful recipe!
Food B. November 12, 2009
I think they're brilliant together too. Thanks!