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overhead view of a white bowl containing purple mashed potatoes on a marble background

Purple Mashed Potatoes

The Essential Vegan
Say goodbye to boring mashed potatoes with these gorgeous purple mashed potatoes. Yes, that vibrant color is 100% natural—no artificial colors needed! Learn how to cook these incredibly delicious and healthy sweet potatoes with this easy step-by-step recipe. 
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Soak Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • large bowl
  • colander
  • medium or large pot
  • potato masher
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large purple sweet potatoes peeled and roughly chopped into 1-inch cubes (about 1 pound 11 ounces)
  • water to cover potatoes (about 6 cups)
  • cup unsweetened soy milk (or unsweetened plant milk of choice), plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • pinch of fine sea salt (optional)

Optional garnishes

  • minced parsley or other fresh herbs
  • dulse flakes (a type of edible seaweed sold in purple flakes — i.e., salty purple sprinkles!)

Instructions
 

  • Soak (optional): Soak the peeled, cubed potatoes in a bowl of ice water for 30 minutes to an hour (see Note). After soaking, drain and rinse the potatoes in a colander and remove any remaining ice cubes.
  • Boil: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the cubed potatoes and lower the heat to medium-high. Boil, uncovered, for approximately 15 to 18 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  • Drain: Carefully dump the potato-and-water mixture into a colander over the sink. Let the potatoes drain in the colander for about 5 minutes.
  • Mash: Transfer the drained potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until they are relatively smooth (some clumps are okay if you prefer a chunkier texture). Add the unsweetened soy milk and garlic powder. Stir well. Taste and, if desired, add a splash more milk and/or a pinch of fine sea salt before serving. Add any desired garnishes, such as minced parsley, other herbs, or dulse flakes.

Notes

  • Soaking the potatoes in cold water removes excess starch. As a result, the mashed potatoes will have a fluffier consistency. This step is optional, so feel free to skip it if you’re short on time.
  • Store leftover purple mashed potatoes in the fridge and enjoy within 3 to 4 days.
Keyword mashed purple sweet potatoes, purple sweet potato recipe, vegan purple potatoes