Legume Free Lemon & Olive Oil White Sweet Potato Mash
White sweet potatoes have a creamier, more delicate flavor than their orange cousins, and this mash really lets them shine. A quick bloom of garlic, turmeric, and ginger in olive oil builds a warm, aromatic base that gets folded right into the potatoes along with bright lemon juice and zest — the result is silky, fragrant, and genuinely hard to stop eating. Every ingredient here is straightforwardly whole and plant-based, so there's no need to scan labels for hidden legume derivatives or bean-based thickeners that sometimes sneak into packaged sides. The technique of letting the drained potatoes steam off for a minute or two before mashing is a small step that makes a real difference, keeping the texture fluffy rather than gluey. A final drizzle of good olive oil and a scatter of fresh parsley turns the bowl into something that looks as good as it tastes. This works just as well as a weeknight comfort dish as it does alongside something more celebratory — it's the kind of versatile side that earns a permanent spot in the rotation.
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!