Delicious Purple Sweet Potato Recipes You Need to Try!

If you haven’t tried a purple sweet potato recipe yet, you’re seriously missing out! These vibrant, naturally sweet potatoes are a game-changer in the kitchen. Whether you’re making crispy fries, creamy mash, or even a sweet pie, purple sweet potato recipes are not only healthy but also full of flavor. Stick around as I share some of my favorite purple sweet potato recipes that will make your taste buds do a happy dance!

For a perfect lunch, pair Meatballs with Alfredo Sauce with a cozy bowl of Kabocha Squash Soup. The creamy meatballs complement the sweet, smooth soup, creating a comforting and satisfying meal!

What’s the Deal with Purple Sweet Potatoes?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s appreciate these purple gems. They’re not your everyday sweet potatoes; they’re much better than the regular ones you’ve probably been used to.

Why Are Purple Sweet Potatoes So Special?

Here’s the lowdown: Purple sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which give them their gorgeous hue. These compounds are the same in blueberries, so you get profound health benefits while enjoying a treat. Plus, purple sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index than regular sweet potatoes, making them a better choice if you’re monitoring your blood sugar levels.

Now, let’s get into the good stuff—how to cook these delicious little guys!

Purple Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and Irresistible

You know how regular sweet potato fries are the best, right? Well, purple sweet potato fries are next-level delicious. Crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside—honestly, you might never return to regular fries again.

Ingredients:

• 2 large purple sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, this will make cleanup a breeze.
2. Peel and slice the purple sweet potatoes into even fries. I like mine on the thinner side, but you do you.
3. Toss the fries in olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Get your hands dirty—this is the fun part!
4. Spread the fries out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that crispy, golden brown goodness.
6. Once they’re nice and crispy, remove them, sprinkle a little more salt if needed, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Tip:

Want to kick these fries up a notch? Try pairing them with a spicy sriracha mayo dip. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Purple Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy Comfort in a Bowl

Sometimes, you need a warm, creamy side dish for dinner. Enter purple sweet potato mash. It’s velvety smooth and has a naturally sweet flavor that’s downright addictive. Plus, it’s easy to make—what’s not to love?

Ingredients:

• 3 medium purple sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp butter (or ghee, if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind you like)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Don’t worry about them being perfect—this isn’t a beauty contest.
2. Boil the chunks in a large pot of water for about 15 minutes or until they’re fork-tender.
3. Drain the water and add the sweet potatoes back into the pot.
4. Mash them with a potato masher or a fork. You can use a hand mixer if you want extra smooth, but I like a little texture in mine.
5. Add the butter, milk, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Stir until everything’s creamy and well combined.
6. Taste test! If you want more seasoning, go for it. A little extra butter never hurt anyone.

Pro Tip:

To make this dish unique, toss some toasted pecans or maple syrup. It’ll give your mash a nice crunch and a burst of sweetness.

Purple Sweet Potato Salad: The Colorful Side Dish You Need

Salads are great, but we all know they can sometimes be a little…meh. Not this purple sweet potato salad. This one is vibrant, filling, and totally satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium purple sweet potatoes, roasted
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup arugula or spinach
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (or any nuts you prefer)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast the purple sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes. Just like with the fries, slice them into chunks and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
2. While the sweet potatoes are cooling, prepare the salad: Toss the arugula/spinach, red onion, and feta cheese in a large bowl.
3. Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, add them to the salad.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for some crunch.
5. Toss everything together gently and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tip:

This salad is perfect for meal prep—make it in advance and enjoy it for lunch all week!

Purple Sweet Potato Pie: Dessert Just Got a Whole Lot Better

So, this is it. The dessert you didn’t know you needed. Purple sweet potato pie is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s like pumpkin pie but with a twist—and honestly, I think it’s better.

Ingredients:

• 2 large purple sweet potatoes
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 premade pie crust (or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil the sweet potatoes until they’re fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes). Then, peel and mash them.
3. Combine the mashed sweet potatoes in a large bowl with sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the filling is set and a knife comes out clean.
6. Let the pie cool, then slice it up and serve!

Pro Tip:

Top this pie with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat. It’s the perfect fall dessert—or any time you want something extra special.

Purple Sweet Potatoes vs. Regular Sweet Potatoes: What’s the Difference?

You might be wondering—what sets purple sweet potatoes apart from the orange ones you’re used to seeing? Both types of sweet potatoes are delicious, but some key differences make purple sweet potatoes stand out.

Color and Antioxidants

The most obvious difference is the color! The purple skin and vibrant purple flesh come from anthocyanins, which are antioxidants found in other purple foods like blueberries and eggplant. These antioxidants fight off free radicals in the body, which may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Flavor and Texture

Purple sweet potatoes are sweeter and have a creamier texture than regular sweet potatoes. They also have a slightly nutty flavor, making them a perfect addition to savory and sweet dishes. Conversely, regular sweet potatoes are starchier and earthier in flavor.

Nutritional Value

In terms of nutrition, purple sweet potatoes pack a bigger punch. They have more fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C than the regular variety. Purple sweet potatoes are also lower on the glycemic index, so they won’t spike your blood sugar levels as much as regular sweet potatoes. That makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking to keep things in check, health-wise.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Purple Sweet Potatoes into Your Diet

Look no further if you’re looking for new and exciting ways to get purple sweet potatoes into your meals! These little guys are versatile; you can sneak them into various dishes. Here are a few ideas to get those creative cooking juices flowing:

1. Purple Sweet Potato Smoothie

Sounds a little wild. But trust me, a purple sweet potato smoothie is absolutely delicious. Just blend boiled purple sweet potato with coconut milk, banana, a little cinnamon, and some honey for a creamy, comforting drink full of vitamins and antioxidants.

1. Purple Sweet Potato Tacos

Yep, you read that right—tacos! Swap out your usual meat or beans with mashed purple sweet potato for a hearty and filling taco filling. Add some grilled veggies, avocado, salsa, and a drizzle of lime for a fresh, healthy spin on taco night.

1. Purple Sweet Potato Chips

Purple sweet potato chips are a must-try if you’re craving something crunchy and snackable. Slice the sweet potatoes thinly, toss with olive oil and seasoning, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Perfect for snacking, they’ve got that sweet-salty balance that’s totally addictive.

1. Purple Sweet Potato Soup

If you’re a soup lover (who isn’t?), try a creamy purple sweet potato soup. For a warming, comforting meal, you can boil and puree the sweet potatoes with vegetable stock, garlic, and ginger. Top with a swirl of coconut cream or fresh herbs for an extra touch.

FAQs About Purple Sweet Potatoes

1. Are purple sweet potatoes healthier than regular sweet potatoes?

Yes! Purple sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants (like anthocyanins), linked to numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and promoting heart health. They also have a lower glycemic index than regular sweet potatoes.

1. Can I eat purple sweet potatoes raw?

Technically, you can eat them raw, but they’re much tastier (and easier to digest) when cooked. Roasting, boiling, or mashing them brings out their natural sweetness and creaminess.

1. What’s the best way to store purple sweet potatoes?

Store your purple sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This way, they’ll keep for about 2-3 weeks. Just ensure they’re not exposed to moisture, or they’ll spoil faster.

1. Can I substitute purple sweet potatoes for regular sweet potatoes in recipes?

Absolutely! Purple sweet potatoes can be used in most recipes instead of regular sweet potatoes. Remember that they have a slightly different flavor and texture but they’ll still work great.

1. Where can I buy purple sweet potatoes?

You can find purple sweet potatoes at most grocery stores, especially during the fall. Farmers’ markets are also a great place to look if you want to get your hands on some fresh ones.

Final Thoughts: Get Cooking with Purple Sweet Potatoes!

There you have it—some seriously delicious purple sweet potato recipes that’ll have you hooked from the first bite. Whether you’re making crispy fries, creamy mash, or a sweet dessert pie, purple sweet potatoes are an absolute game-changer. They’re packed with flavor, nutrients, and much love. So next time you’re in the grocery store, grab a couple and give one of these.

More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂

Cheesy Jambalaya: A Flavorful, One-Pot Comfort Food Recipe

Smoked Brisket Chipotle Spicy: A Flavor Explosion You’ll Love

Carnivore Egg Bake: A Hearty, Protein-Packed Breakfast for Meat Lovers