Nostalgic Sweet Potato Salad, Mom’s Recipe
Nostalgic Sweet Potato Salad, Mom’s Recipe
Seasonal Sweet Potato Dish / Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Salad
This is a sweet potato salad recipe that evokes fond childhood memories of my mother making ‘sweet potato mash’. It captures the classic sweetness and tenderness, making it a beloved comfort food for everyone. Recreate this dish filled with your own memories and your mother’s love.
Ingredients- 2 small sweet potatoes
- 50g cooked beans (e.g., shelled peas or chickpeas)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for cooking beans)
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp sugar or honey
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the star of our sweet potato salad: the sweet potatoes. Select two small sweet potatoes and wash them thoroughly under running water to remove all dirt. We’re preparing two for a single serving.
Step 2
Now, let’s steam the sweet potatoes to perfection. Fill a steamer with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once steam is rising, place the sweet potatoes in the steamer and cover. Steam for about 20-25 minutes until tender. It’s important to add the sweet potatoes only after the steam has started to ensure they don’t stick and steam evenly.
Step 3
While the sweet potatoes are steaming, let’s cook the beans that will add flavor to our salad. Place the beans and a pinch of salt in a pot. To prevent a beany smell, it’s best to cook them uncovered from the start. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the beans are tender.
Step 4
The beans are simmering nicely and cooking up beautifully. Look at those plump beans – they’re already making me hungry!
Step 5
Drain the cooked beans and quickly rinse them under cold water. This helps maintain their texture and prevents excess moisture in the salad. Make sure to drain them thoroughly once cooled.
Step 6
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove them from the steamer. Let them cool slightly, then use a fork or a potato masher to mash them smoothly. Mashing them while they are still warm will result in a creamier texture without lumps.
Step 7
Now, add the cooked beans to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix in 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar until everything is well combined. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can use corn syrup or honey, but I opted for sugar to recreate my mother’s nostalgic flavor.
Step 8
Voilà! Our sweet and creamy sweet potato salad, filled with the warmth of my mother’s cooking, is ready. It’s wonderful as a side dish or a delightful snack for kids.
Step 9
Store any leftover sweet potato salad at room temperature. For longer storage, before sprouts appear, you can steam or roast sweet potatoes, then place them in a zip-top bag and freeze. This way, you can easily enjoy them whenever you like.
