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Garnet Yam Puree

This silky sweet potato puree is an elegant alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Using red-skinned garnet yams provides a vibrant orange colour and naturally sweet flavour that balances beautifully with the addition of fresh lime juice. By allowing the potatoes to steam-dry after boiling, you ensure a rich, concentrated texture that feels truly indulgent without being heavy.

As a versatile vegetarian side dish, this puree pairs perfectly with roasted meats or hearty autumn vegetable bakes. The addition of double cream and butter creates a luxurious mouthfeel, while the chopped chives provide a fresh, savoury finish. It is a simple yet sophisticated accompaniment that can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for hosting dinner parties or Sunday lunch.

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Ingredients for Garnet Yam Puree

  • 2.3kg garnet yams or other yams (red-skinned sweet potatoes), peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • Coarse kosher salt

  • 120ml double cream

  • 60ml (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

  • Fresh chives, chopped

  • Potato ricer or potato masher

How to make Garnet Yam Puree

Place yams in large pot. Pour enough cold water over to cover by 2 inches. Sprinkle with coarse salt and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium; boil gently until yams are very tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain well; reserve pot. Let yams stand in strainer at least 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes.

Working in batches, press yams through potato ricer back into same pot or mash yams with potato masher. Combine cream and butter in glass measuring cup. Microwave on high just until warm, about 45 seconds. Add cream mixture to yams and mix with potato masher or whisk until puree is almost smooth. Stir in lime juice. Season to taste with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring often. Garnish with chives.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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