Caribbean mashed boniato, infused with vibrant turmeric, aromatic thyme, and smoky paprika, offers a unique and flavorful twist. This side dish captures the essence of Caribbean cuisine, presenting a delightful blend of earthy sweetness and exotic spices in a creamy mash.
Related Potato Recipe Posts:
Creamy mashed root vegetables made Caribbean style for an alternative side dish in place of plain, boring mashed potatoes!
Boniato root, popular throughout the Caribbean, is paired with turmeric and spices for a colorful and tasty mash.
Beats and Eats (music to pair with Boniato)
The song "Puerto Rico" by Frankie Cutlass may pair well with mashed boniato due to its lively and celebratory nature. The upbeat and energetic rhythm of the song, combined with its Latin and Caribbean influences, can evoke a festive atmosphere that complements the vibrant flavors of mashed boniato. Additionally, the song's positive and uplifting vibes can contribute to a joyful and relaxed ambiance, enhancing the enjoyment of the meal.
WHAT IS BONIATO?
Boniato is the lighter-skinned tuber cousin of sweet potatoes. I discovered it on a visit to Puerto Rico on a visit to my favorite restaurant there Jose Enrique's. It's not as sweet as sweet potato, and it's color and flavor are somewhere between a white potato and a sweet potato. Visually think - purple skin white flesh.
It's less sweet because of its lower sugar content. Perhaps the most distinguishing aspect is its milder, chestnut like nutty flavor tones, which makes this mashed dish a great change-up!
The advantage they have over other tubers, is they make a fluffier mash.
How is boniato used
Boniato is used similarly to regular sweet potatoes. Common dishes include "Tropical Sweet Potato Salad" or the Cuban sweet potato dish Boniatillo.
flavor enhancers for mashed boniato root
- Turmeric Root - adds both flavor and color to mashed boniato. Flavor-wise, turmeric has a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter taste that can enhance the overall taste profile of the mashed boniato. It contributes a subtle spiciness and depth to the dish, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Garlic Cloves - adds a savory and aromatic dimension to mashed boniato. Garlic contributes a pungent and slightly sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. The combination of garlic and boniato creates a delicious balance, as the garlic's distinct taste complements the natural sweetness of the boniato.
- Fresh Thyme - adds a fresh, herbaceous, and slightly earthy flavor to mashed boniato. The aromatic qualities of thyme can enhance the overall taste profile of the dish, providing a subtle yet distinct herbal note. Thyme complements the natural sweetness of boniato, creating a well-balanced and flavorful combination.
- Almond Milk - adds creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor to mashed boniato. The creamy consistency of almond milk contributes to a smooth and velvety texture in the mashed boniato, enhancing its overall mouthfeel. The nutty undertones of almond milk complement the natural sweetness of boniato, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Smoked Paprika - adds a rich and smoky flavor to mashed boniato. The smokiness of the paprika complements the sweetness of the boniato, resulting in a well-balanced flavor profile. Additionally, smoked paprika can impart a subtle warmth to the mashed boniato, enhancing its overall complexity.
mashed boniato cooking instructions
The process for making this dish is no different than the approach taken to make traditional mash potatoes.
Peel the boniato and turmeric then place in a large pot of cold salted water. Add the garlic, thyme, and bay leaves and bring to a boil then lower heat and cook the boniato is fork-tender. This should take about 30-40 minutes depending on how you chop the vegetables.
Drain the liquids away. Remove the thyme and bay leaf. Partially mash the turmeric and boniato. Add the almond milk plus spices then pureed using a blender or immersion blender. Serve with fresh thyme.
Variations On Mashed Boniato
Variations on mashed boniato offer exciting twists to the traditional recipe, allowing you to explore different flavor profiles. Here are some creative ideas to elevate your mashed boniato:
- Spicy Chipotle Boniato Mash:
- Add a smoky kick by incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Garnish with cilantro for a fresh and herbaceous touch.
- Coconut Curry Boniato Mash:
- Infuse an exotic flavor by blending coconut milk and curry powder.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
- Citrus-Infused Boniato Mash:
- Squeeze in some fresh lime or orange juice for a zesty twist.
- Sprinkle with grated citrus zest to enhance the aroma.
- Herb-Infused Boniato Mash:
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or dill for a savory infusion.
- Mix in chopped chives or green onions for a burst of freshness.
- Caramelized Onion Boniato Mash:
- Sauté thinly sliced onions until golden brown and mix them into the mash.
- Drizzle with a balsamic reduction for a touch of sweetness.
- Maple Pecan Boniato Mash:
- Sweeten the mash with a hint of maple syrup.
- Fold in chopped pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Cajun-Spiced Boniato Mash:
- Add a Cajun kick with a blend of paprika, cayenne, and thyme.
- Serve with grilled Cajun-spiced shrimp or chicken.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or create your own variations based on personal preferences. Mashed boniato serves as a versatile canvas for a wide range of flavors and culinary explorations.
Where To Buy White Sweet Potato (Boniato)
You can typically find boniato in specialty markets, Latin American or Caribbean grocery stores, and farmers' markets may carry boniato.
What to Serve With Mashed Boniato
Mashed boniato pairs well with a variety of dishes, complementing both savory and sweet flavors. Here are some ideas for dishes to serve with mashed boniato:
- Grilled or Roasted Meats: Mashed boniato makes a great side dish for grilled or roasted meats such as chicken, pork, or beef. The sweet and creamy texture provides a delicious contrast to the savory flavors of the meats.
- Seafood: It complements the flavors of seafood dishes, such as grilled fish or shrimp. The sweetness of mashed boniato can balance the brininess of certain seafood preparations.
- Stews and Curries: Serve mashed boniato alongside hearty stews or curries. The creaminess of the boniato can complement the bold and spicy flavors of these dishes.
- Latin American or Caribbean Cuisine: Mashed boniato fits well with the flavors of Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. It pairs nicely with dishes like jerk chicken, braised oxtail, or black beans and rice.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Options: For a vegetarian or vegan meal, pair mashed boniato with roasted vegetables, plant-based protein sources, or vegetable-based stews.
- Holiday Meals: It can be a unique and flavorful addition to holiday meals, especially if you're looking for an alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Pair it with roast turkey, ham, or other festive dishes.
- Spicy Dishes: Mashed boniato can complement spicy dishes, helping to balance the heat with its sweetness. Consider serving it with spicy chili, Mexican-inspired dishes, or Indian curries.
Experiment with different flavor combinations to find what suits your taste preferences and the overall theme of your meal.
COOKING CONSIDERATION
Chop the boniato as evenly as possible to ensure even cooking.
Puree the vegetables to your preferred consistency. I like mine smooth with a few chunks
I've noticed in larger format grocery stores are starting to carry more international produce including root vegetables like boniato. You can definitely find them in more Asian or Latina focused markets.
Variations On Mashed Boniato
Variations on mashed boniato offer exciting twists to the traditional recipe, allowing you to explore different flavor profiles. Here are some creative ideas to elevate your mashed boniato:
- Spicy Chipotle Boniato Mash:
- Add a smoky kick by incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Garnish with cilantro for a fresh and herbaceous touch.
- Coconut Curry Boniato Mash:
- Infuse an exotic flavor by blending coconut milk and curry powder.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
- Citrus-Infused Boniato Mash:
- Squeeze in some fresh lime or orange juice for a zesty twist.
- Sprinkle with grated citrus zest to enhance the aroma.
- Herb-Infused Boniato Mash:
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or dill for a savory infusion.
- Mix in chopped chives or green onions for a burst of freshness.
- Caramelized Onion Boniato Mash:
- Sauté thinly sliced onions until golden brown and mix them into the mash.
- Drizzle with a balsamic reduction for a touch of sweetness.
- Maple Pecan Boniato Mash:
- Sweeten the mash with a hint of maple syrup.
- Fold in chopped pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Cajun-Spiced Boniato Mash:
- Add a Cajun kick with a blend of paprika, cayenne, and thyme.
- Serve with grilled Cajun-spiced shrimp or chicken.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or create your own variations based on personal preferences. Mashed boniato serves as a versatile canvas for a wide range of flavors and culinary explorations.
Where To Buy White Sweet Potato (Boniato)
You can typically find boniato in specialty markets, Latin American or Caribbean grocery stores, and farmers' markets may carry boniato.
MORE RECIPES
Oven Roasted Purple Potato Fries
Colombian Chicken and Potato Stew
make these mashed vegetables
If you make this mashed boniato recipe or any other from the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.
You can also keep up with my food exploits as well as original recipes! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. If you like any of the music you find on the site, visit me at Spotify to find curated monthly playlists.
Ingredients
- 1 large boniato root peeled and trimmed, cut into 1nch chunks
- 3 medium fresh turmeric root pieces peeled and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves peeled and halved
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme plus more for garnish
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ cup Unsweetened Almond milk plus more if needed
- ½ tablespoon smoked sweet paprika
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the boniato and turmeric in a large pot with cold, salted water enough to cover by about 1 inch
- Add the garlic cloves, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cook for about 30-40 minutes, until barely tender when pierced with the tip of a knife.
- Carefully drain off the cooking liquid. Remove the thyme and bay leaf. Mash the veggies a bit.
- Add the Almond milk, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Place all ingredients in a regular blender and puree to desired consistency. I like smooth with a few chunks
- Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.