Five Spice Sweet Potato Purée Recipes

FIVE-SPICE SWEET POTATO PURéE

Steps:

• Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until tender when pierced with fork, about 50 minutes. Drain well. Cool slightly and peel.
• Cut potatoes into large chunks; place in processor. Add milk, butter, ginger juice, and five-spice powder. Process until very smooth, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Return to pot and stir over medium heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand, uncovered, at room temperature. Rewarm over medium heat, stirring frequently, before serving.)
• *A blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise and pepper available in the spice section of most supermarkets.

SEASONED SWEET POTATO PUREE

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan add chicken stock, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons sea salt, 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and almond extract. Stir mixture and bring to a boil.
• Meanwhile, peel sweet potatoes and cut into medium-sized cubes. Add to the chicken stock and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until soft.
• Once potatoes are soft, place potatoes in a food processor. Reserve the liquid and set aside. Add heavy cream and lemon juice and blend until smooth. If too dry, add reserved potato liquid. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.

SWEET POTATO PUREE

Steps:

• Place a steamer insert or a mesh colander in a large pot and add enough water to reach the bottom of the steamer. Place the sweet potatoes in the steamer and bring the water to a boil. Cover the pot, lower the heat, and cook over simmering water for about 25 minutes, until very tender. Check occasionally to be sure the water doesn't boil away.
• Transfer the sweet potatoes to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. With the mixer on low, slowly add the half-and-half, orange zest, orange juice, cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. With the mixer still on low, add the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until incorporated. Taste for seasonings and mix until smooth. Serve hot.

SILKY SWEET POTATO PUREE

Steps:

• Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position; heat to 425 degrees. Place potatoes on a foil-lined pan; bake 45 to 60 minutes, until tender. Peel when cool enough to handle.
• Puree with salt and pepper in a food processor. With motor running, gradually add milks through feeder tube, then butter. Process until silken. (Can make up to 2 days ahead; store in an airtight container.) Reheat and serve.