Sweet Potato Puree

This is a simple way to make Sweet Potato puree. It is perfect to use for baby food, baking/cooking, or freezing for later. I do this every time I get a big bundle of sweet potatoes. It is so easy and makes for quick access without having those canned "Yams" from the supermarket. Of course, I like my sweet potatoes baked or made into baked fries personally, but for the most part, I find I use it in more dishes this way. I put in pancakes or waffles, chili or beef stew, Casseroles, muffins, rolls, and more. Most importantly, we don't get tired of sweet potato mash because were not eating it the same way every time, yet we are still getting the benefits from this nutrient dense food. In fact, did you know that the vitamin A content in a 1/2 cup of Sweet Potatoes is equivalent to 128 Bananas! It goes without saying that this colorful vegetable provides more than you think.

 

Easy Steps to Sweet Potato Puree:

Step 1- Clean your potatoes to rid them of dirt even it you are not peeling them. 

Step 2- Cook your potatoes by baking, boiling, or microwaving them.

To bake: Poke holes in the skin with a fork or knife a few times and bake at 400 degrees F for 40 to 50 minutes or until soft. 

To boil: Cut sweet potatoes (they can be peeled or unpeeled) into pieces and place in boiling water. Cook 15 to 20 minutes and drain. If you are mashing sweet potatoes after boiling them, they should be peeled first. 

To microwave: Prick the skin of the potato with a fork or knife a few times. Cook on high, turning the potato halfway through the cooking time. Cook 1 potato for 3 to 4 minutes, 2 potatoes 5 to 6 minutes, and 3 potatoes 7 to 8 minutes.

Resource: usda.gov

Step 3- Peel Potatoes
After potatoes are cooled, the skin should be very loose. Loose enough to peel them by hand. Peel all the potatoes and cut quarterly into your food processor, blender, or Baby Bullet.

Step 4- Puree
By cutting in quarters you are limiting the amount of larger chunks. Blend until smooth. Sweet potatoes should not require any liquid to be added (especially if the potatoes are completely cooled) so blend accordingly.

 Step 5- Store for Later or Warm to Serve

 

If you use large amounts, measure them out and store in freezer bags.

 

 

If you like 1/2 cup portions, put puree into cupcake pans. I prefer a silicon pan because they are easy to pop out after freezing.  These are great sizes for toddlers and for smaller pre-measured amounts. After they are done freezing, place these frozen cups in a gallon freezer bag for later use.

For your babies, ice cube trays are the perfect size! Just freeze them, pop them out, and then put in a gallon freezer bag.