Name: Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced; 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the chipotle can; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon lime zest; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Get ready to ignite your taste buds with Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime! This velvety, smoky, and citrusy mash transforms humble sweet potatoes into a side dish that absolutely steals the show. The sweetness of the potatoes, the gentle heat from chipotle peppers, and the zing of fresh lime juice and zest come together for a dish that’s as bold as it is comforting. Whether you’re pairing this with grilled meats or letting it shine alongside roasted veggies, it’s bound to become the recipe everyone asks for.

Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime especially magical is how just a handful of vibrant ingredients come together so effortlessly. Each component brings something unique to the table — from color, to creamy texture, to an irresistible balance of smoky spice and bright citrus.

Sweet Potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and cut into chunks): These are the heart and soul of the dish, lending natural sweetness and a luscious orange hue.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): For that rich, creamy finish that melts right in and rounds out all the flavors.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (1 to 2, minced): Here’s where the signature smokiness and gentle heat come in — add more or less to suit your spice preference.
Adobo Sauce (1 tablespoon from the can): Extra depth, moisture, and an unmistakable earthy kick.
Fresh Lime Juice (1 tablespoon): The tart pop that instantly lifts and brightens the whole mash.
Lime Zest (1 teaspoon): Adds a fresh, aromatic layer you’ll never want to skip.
Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): For a subtle warmth and just a hint of earthiness in every bite.
Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for coaxing out all those wonderful flavors.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and spice with a gentle peppery note.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish): Sprinkle on for gorgeous color and a final burst of freshness.

How to Make Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime

Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes

Place your peeled and chunked sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Starting with cold water helps the potatoes cook evenly, so every bite will be perfectly tender. Bring it all to a lively boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let the sweet potatoes bubble away until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes — you’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork.

Step 2: Drain and Return to Pot

Once the sweet potatoes are tender, go ahead and drain them well — nobody wants watery mash! Return those steaming-hot potatoes right back to the pot, which will also help any excess moisture evaporate for a fluffier final dish.

Step 3: Mash and Mix in Flavors

While the sweet potatoes are still piping hot, add the butter, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, fresh lime juice, lime zest, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Use a sturdy potato masher to blend everything together until you reach your desired creaminess. If you like a bit of texture, leave some small chunks; for ultra-smooth mash, keep going until silky. Give it a taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chipotle to fit your palate.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime into your favorite serving bowl. Top with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro if you like an herbal note, or leave it plain to let that bright orange mash shine. Serve while hot so all those flavors are at their best!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh cilantro adds so much more than color; it gives a garden-fresh contrast to the smoky warmth of the dish. If cilantro isn’t your thing, try finely sliced green onions or a little extra lime zest for a pop of brightness. Even a swirl of Mexican crema or a sprinkle of queso fresco can give your Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime a gorgeous finish!

Side Dishes

This vibrant mash works magic next to grilled chicken, steak, or even tacos, where its combination of creaminess and smoky-citrus zing cuts through rich, bold flavors. It’s equally delicious with roasted vegetables, black beans, or light fish for a bright, satisfying meal. The possibilities are nearly endless, so don’t be afraid to mix and match!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime in individual ramekins or small mason jars topped with a fresh herb sprig. Use it as a bed for pan-seared shrimp or as a colorful layer in a southwestern vegetable bowl. You can even pipe it onto platters for dramatic effect, or swirl it with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra tang and flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime, simply let it cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to four days, making weekday meals or quick snacks so much tastier.

Freezing

For longer storage, this mash is freezer-friendly! Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, smooth out the top, and remove any excess air. Freeze for up to three months — and don’t forget to label. When you’re ready, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your mash to a saucepan and gently warm over low heat, stirring frequently. You can add a splash of milk or a small knob of butter to restore any lost creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe dish in short bursts, stirring between each, until heated through. It’s just as good (if not better) the second time around!

FAQs

Can I make Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the butter for your favorite plant-based substitute, such as vegan butter or a touch of olive oil, and you’ll have a fully vegan side that keeps all that smoky, creamy goodness.

How spicy is this mash?

The heat is completely up to you. Start with one chipotle pepper and a bit of adobo sauce, then taste and add more if you want to kick things up. For milder palates, stick with the minimum — the lime and sweet potatoes help temper the heat, too.

What protein dishes pair well with Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime?

This mash is especially fantastic alongside grilled chicken, steak, or roasted pork tenderloin. It also pairs wonderfully with black beans, grilled tofu, or fish tacos for a satisfying vegetarian or pescatarian spread.

Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?

Peeling is recommended for the creamiest texture, but if you love a little rustic charm and extra fiber, you can scrub and leave the skins on. Just be sure to wash them well before cooking.

Can I use pre-made mashed sweet potatoes?

Yes, if you have leftover plain mashed sweet potatoes on hand, just warm them gently and stir in the butter, chipotle, adobo, lime, cumin, salt, and pepper. You’ll still get all the bold flavors of Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime!

Final Thoughts

There’s so much to love about Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime — it’s vibrant, deeply flavorful, and destined to be a family favorite. You simply can’t go wrong with smoky, zesty, and sweet all in one comforting scoop. Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears from your table!

Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Sweet Potato Mash with Chipotle and Lime is a flavorful twist on traditional mashed sweet potatoes. The smoky heat from chipotle peppers, zesty lime juice, and aromatic cumin elevate this side dish to a whole new level. Creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy, it’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, tacos, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potato Mash:

2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Chipotle Lime Seasoning:

1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the chipotle can
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Garnish:

Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place sweet potato chunks in a large pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Mash: Drain well, return sweet potatoes to the pot, add butter, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot.