Mashed sweet potatoes get a smoky, sweet, and spicy upgrade in this flavor-packed side dish that will keep you coming back for more.

The humble potato, including the sweet potato, is the hero of any dinner table, in my opinion at least. I mean, I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t like potatoes.

Here are just a few reasons why I love potatoes, and sweet potatoes in particular:

Versatility

I bet many people can agree when I say one of the best things about potatoes is their versatility. A potato is not just a potato. It is a food that is ready to take on any shape or form. One day it’s french fries, the next day it’s a baked potato, and then maybe hash browns, home fries, croquettes, mashed, and so on. You get the point. There’s no getting sick of spuds.

Flavor

This is where it gets interesting for me. White potatoes on their own don’t have much of a flavor, which is great because you can flavor them with a whole variety of flavors (lemon, garlic, truffle, herbs, spices, cheese, etc.) leading us back to the whole versatility ordeal mentioned above. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, possess a pleasant natural sweetness – hence their name. This subtle sweetness pairs all too well with spicy and smoky flavors to create an almost addictive flavor combination. My take on mashed sweet potatoes below gets a subtle kick of smoky spice from canned chipotle peppers, with additional smokiness from smoked paprika, which is definitely one of my top five favorite spices to use in my cooking for a flavor-boost, as seen in one of my favorite recipes: Smoky Tempeh Tacos.

Nutrition

I of course adore sweet potatoes because they are packed with health-promoting nutrients. They are a good source of dietary fiber, which we know offers a ton of health benefits, such as easing constipation, promoting regular digestion, balancing blood sugar levels, and keeping cholesterol levels in check, to name a few.

Sweet potatoes, along with most other orange fruits and veggies, such as carrots and butternut squash, contain a ton of a compound called beta-carotene. Our bodies naturally convert beta-carotene to vitamin A, which acts as a powerful antioxidant and also helps protect our eye health.

Sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that many of us associate with bananas. But, did you know that one medium potato has even more potassium than one medium banana? Found in abundance in many fruits and veggies, potassium is a mineral our bodies need for a number of functions, including blood pressure regulation, nerve signal transmission, muscle contractions, pH balance and fluid balance, to name a few. It’s also an essential mineral, meaning our bodies rely on outside sources for a steady supply – another reason so include a wide variety of fruits and veggies in your meals/snacks.

Now on to the recipe…

This recipe is honestly one of my simple go-tos when I’m either short on time or don’t feel like slaving away in the kitchen for a flavor-packed side. This one is ready in just under 30 mins, with most of the time being dedicated to letting the potatoes cook. BUT, don’t let its simplicity fool you – these Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes are nearly addictive in taste and balance of flavors. Sweet and spicy, and perfectly creamy, this one is a real pleaser. Pair with your favorite grilled protein and salad or veggies for a wonderful balanced meal.