BHA & BHT Free Lemon & Olive Oil White Sweet Potato Mash
White sweet potatoes have a creamier, more delicate flavor than their orange cousins, and mashing them with bright lemon and good olive oil turns a humble side dish into something genuinely crave-worthy. The bloom of warm turmeric and ginger bloomed in olive oil before folding into the mash adds a subtle, earthy depth that makes every bite feel considered and intentional. For anyone navigating preservative sensitivities, this recipe is a breath of fresh air — every single ingredient is whole and unprocessed, from the fresh lemon juice to the extra-virgin olive oil, with no packaged shortcuts that could sneak in unwanted additives. Avoiding BHA and BHT often means scrutinizing cooking oils, seasoning blends, and even store-bought mashed potato mixes, but here everything is straightforward and clean by design. The technique is simple enough for a weeknight but polished enough to land on a holiday table, finishing with a drizzle of olive oil and a scatter of fresh parsley for color. It's rich, silky, and bright all at once — the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 lb white sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 ½-inch chunks
- 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more for the cooking water
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the white sweet potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water by at least 1 inch. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer and cook until the potatoes are completely tender and a fork slides through without resistance, 18–22 minutes.
- 2
While the potatoes cook, heat 1 tbsp of the olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant but not browned, about 1–2 minutes. Stir in the turmeric and ginger and cook for 30 seconds more, until the spices are fragrant. Remove from heat.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!