Recipes→South Africa→Isibhede

Isibhede

A traditional Zulu-style mashed sweet potato dish, known for its comforting sweetness and smooth texture. It's a simple yet satisfying side dish.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25-30 minutes
Total Time40-45 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyEasy

πŸ§‚ Ingredients

  • 1 kg Sweet potatoes
  • 50g Unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • enough to cover Water

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³ Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Cut them into uniform 2-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking.

    ⏱️ 10-15 minutes
  2. 2

    Boil the sweet potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover them by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-high, cover, and simmer until the sweet potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork. This should take approximately 25-30 minutes.

    ⏱️ 25-30 minutes
  3. 3

    Drain and mash: Once tender, carefully drain all the water from the pot. Return the pot to the warm stove (heat off) for about 1 minute to allow any residual moisture to evaporate. Add the cubed butter and the 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the hot sweet potatoes. Using a potato masher or a sturdy fork, mash the sweet potatoes and butter together until smooth and creamy. Avoid over-mashing, which can make them gummy. Adjust salt to your preference.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes

πŸ’‘ Pro Tips

  • βœ“For a smoother consistency, you can use a ricer or pass the cooked sweet potatoes through a sieve before mashing.
  • βœ“Ensure the sweet potatoes are completely tender before draining to achieve a creamy mash.
  • βœ“Taste and adjust seasoning (salt) before serving.

πŸ”„ Variations

  • Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg during the mashing stage for a warm, spiced flavor.
  • Drizzle with a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup just before serving for added sweetness.
  • Stir in a tablespoon of milk or cream for an even richer, creamier texture.

πŸ₯— Nutrition

Per serving

CaloriesApprox. 180 per serving (will vary based on butter amount)
Protein2g
Carbs35g
Fat5g
Fiber4g

🏷️ Tags

Isibhede Recipe - South Africa | world.food