25 Purple Sweet Potato Recipe Ideas to Try at Home

Purple sweet potatoes are not just visually stunning with their vibrant violet hue; they are also packed with nutrients and flavor. Native to Southeast Asia and the Americas, these colorful tubers have gained popularity worldwide for their health benefits, culinary versatility, and unique taste. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your plate or boost your nutrient intake, the purple sweet potato is worth exploring.

What Makes Purple Sweet Potatoes Unique?

The striking purple color of these potatoes comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that are also found in blueberries and red cabbage. These compounds have been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced inflammation. Unlike regular sweet potatoes, the purple variety has a slightly denser texture and a nuttier, earthier flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Purple sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. Here are some key health benefits:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: The anthocyanins help fight free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress.
2. High in Fiber: Supports healthy digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
3. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: They are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.
4. Low Glycemic Index: Great for maintaining blood sugar control compared to other starchy foods.

Culinary Uses

Purple sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Their vibrant color makes them a visual treat in any recipe. Here are a few popular ways to enjoy them:

1. Mashed: A colorful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
2. Baked: Simply roast them to bring out their natural sweetness.
3. Chips and Fries: Crispy and irresistible snacks.
4. Desserts: Used in pies, cakes, and even ice cream for a unique twist.

How to Select and StoreWhen shopping for purple sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes or cracks. Store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigeration, as it can affect their texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips

Cooking purple sweet potatoes is simple, but there are a few tips to get the best results:

1. Peeling: The skin is edible, but peeling can reveal their vibrant color more prominently.
2. Boiling: Boil them until fork-tender for mashing or pureeing.
3. Roasting: Cut into wedges, toss with oil and seasoning, and bake until crispy.
4. Steaming: This method preserves the most nutrients and keeps their color vibrant.

Fun Facts

• Purple sweet potatoes are also known as Okinawan sweet potatoes or Ube in the Philippines.
• They have been a staple food in some Pacific Island cultures for centuries.
• Their vibrant color is often used as a natural food dye in desserts.

Purple sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet. Their unique flavor, stunning color, and numerous health benefits make them a versatile ingredient for various dishes. Whether you’re roasting, mashing, or baking, these vibrant tubers are sure to elevate your meals both visually and nutritionally.

23 Purple Sweet Potato Dishes Ideas

1. Purple Sweet Potato Mash – Creamy, Colorful Mashed Potatoes

A vibrant twist on the traditional mashed potatoes! Creamy, buttery, and visually stunning, this dish is perfect as a side for your favorite meals.

Ingredients:

• 3 large purple sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
2. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
4. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir until creamy and well combined.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

2. Purple Sweet Potato Pie – A Delightful Twist on the Classic Dessert

This pie boasts a naturally stunning color and sweet, earthy flavor. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked and mashed purple sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pre-made pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes and butter until smooth.
3. Add sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla; mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
5. Bake for 50-55 minutes until set.
6. Cool before serving.

3. Purple Sweet Potato Cheesecake – Rich and Vibrant Dessert

Creamy, indulgent, and visually striking, this cheesecake is sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup purple sweet potato puree
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix graham crackers and melted butter; press into a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and sweet potato puree until smooth.
4. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
5. Pour onto the crust and bake for 60 minutes.
6. Chill for 4 hours before serving.

4. Purple Sweet Potato Smoothie Bowl – A Vibrant, Healthy Breakfast Option

Start your day with this vibrant smoothie bowl packed with antioxidants and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and chilled purple sweet potato
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• Toppings: granola, chia seeds, and fresh fruit

Instructions:

1. Blend purple sweet potato, banana, coconut milk, and honey until smooth.
2. Pour into a bowl.
3. Top with granola, chia seeds, and fresh fruit.
4. Enjoy this colorful and healthy breakfast!

5. Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi – Soft, Chewy Italian-Inspired Dish

These vibrant gnocchi are pillowy, delicious, and perfect with a simple sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed purple sweet potato
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Mix mashed potato, flour, egg, and salt into a dough.
2. Roll into long logs and cut into 1-inch pieces.
3. Boil in salted water until gnocchi float (about 3 minutes).
4. Toss with your favorite sauce and serve hot.

6. Purple Sweet Potato Waffles – Colorful Breakfast Treat

These vibrant waffles are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed purple sweet potato
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your waffle iron.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, butter, and mashed sweet potato.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
5. Pour batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden.
6. Serve with syrup or fresh fruit.

7. Purple Sweet Potato Pancakes – Eye-Catching Breakfast Stack

Fluffy and colorful pancakes perfect for a delightful breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup purple sweet potato puree
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, butter, and sweet potato puree.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
4. Heat a skillet and pour batter for each pancake.
5. Cook until bubbles form, then flip.
6. Serve with honey or whipped cream.

8.Purple Sweet Potato Ice Cream – Creamy and Naturally Colorful Dessert

A creamy, dreamy treat with a pop of color.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups purple sweet potato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk, sugar, and sweet potato puree until smooth.
2. Cool the mixture and stir in heavy cream and vanilla.
3. Churn in an ice cream maker as per instructions.
4. Freeze for 4 hours before serving.

9. Purple Sweet Potato Donuts – Unique and Vibrant Donuts

Soft, sweet donuts with a beautiful purple hue.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup purple sweet potato puree
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, butter, and sweet potato puree.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Pipe batter into a greased donut pan.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

10. Purple Sweet Potato Muffins – Moist and Colorful Snack

Delightfully moist muffins that are perfect for snacking.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed purple sweet potato
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Whisk together sweet potato, milk, butter, and eggs.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
5. Pour batter into a lined muffin tin.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

11. Purple Sweet Potato Soup – Creamy and Visually Striking Soup

A warm, comforting soup with a stunning color.

Ingredients:

• 3 large purple sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in a pot until translucent.
2. Add sweet potatoes and broth; simmer until tender.
3. Blend the mixture until smooth.
4. Stir in coconut milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve hot.

12. Purple Sweet Potato Latte – Whimsical, Colorful Latte

A creamy and colorful latte perfect for cozy mornings.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup purple sweet potato puree
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Heat milk and sweet potato puree in a saucepan.
2. Whisk until smooth and frothy.
3. Stir in honey and vanilla extract.
4. Pour into a mug and serve warm.

13. Purple Sweet Potato Bread – Soft and Hearty Loaf

A soft, flavorful bread with a vibrant color.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups purple sweet potato puree
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar; let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Mix flour, salt, sweet potato puree, butter, and yeast mixture.
3. Knead into a smooth dough.
4. Let rise for 1 hour.
5. Shape into a loaf and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.

14. Purple Sweet Potato Pizza Crust – Colorful and Flavorful Base

A gluten-free pizza crust that adds color and nutrients to your pizza.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed purple sweet potato
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix sweet potato, flour, baking powder, salt, olive oil, and egg until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
4. Transfer to a baking sheet and pre-bake for 10 minutes.
5. Add your favorite toppings and bake for another 15 minutes.

15. Purple Sweet Potato Cheesecake – Eye-Catching Dessert

Rich, creamy cheesecake with a purple twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup purple sweet potato puree
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix crushed graham crackers and melted butter; press into the bottom of a springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, sweet potato puree, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture over the crust.
5. Bake for 50 minutes or until set.
6. Chill for 4 hours before serving.

16. Purple Sweet Potato Curry – Creamy, Flavorful Curry

A comforting curry with a beautiful purple hue.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups diced purple sweet potato
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 can coconut milk
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add sweet potato and curry powder; stir well.
3. Pour in coconut milk and simmer until tender.
4. Serve hot with rice.

17. Purple Sweet Potato Pudding – Smooth and delicious dessert

A creamy dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of purple sweet potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups purple sweet potato puree
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Heat milk, sugar, and sweet potato puree in a saucepan.
2. Stir in vanilla and cornstarch dissolved in a bit of water.
3. Cook until thickened.
4. Chill before serving.

18. Purple Sweet Potato Sushi Rolls – Colorful and Delicious Rolls

A fun twist on traditional sushi, these vibrant rolls are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed purple sweet potato
• 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned
• 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Soy sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over each nori sheet.
2. Add a line of mashed sweet potato, cucumber, and avocado.
3. Roll tightly using a bamboo mat.
4. Slice and serve with soy sauce.

19. Purple Sweet Potato Spring Rolls – Fresh and Vibrant Snack

These spring rolls are packed with bright colors and flavors, perfect for a healthy snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup purple sweet potato, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• Rice paper wrappers
• Peanut sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Soak rice paper in warm water until soft.
2. Place a few pieces of each vegetable on the wrapper.
3. Roll tightly and seal the edges.
4. Serve with peanut sauce.

20. Purple Sweet Potato Salad – Eye-Catching, Healthy Side Dish

A vibrant salad packed with nutrients and flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced, roasted purple sweet potato
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Toss roasted sweet potato, spinach, walnuts, and feta in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Serve immediately.

21. Purple Sweet Potato Brownies – Fudgy and Rich with a Twist

A unique take on classic brownies, these are rich, fudgy, and full of color.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed purple sweet potato
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour into a greased baking pan.
4. Bake for 25 minutes.
5. Cool before serving.

22. Purple Sweet Potato Tempura – Crispy and Colorful Bites

Light and crispy tempura with a pop of color.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup thinly sliced purple sweet potato
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold sparkling water
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a deep pan.
2. Mix flour and sparkling water into a thin batter.
3. Dip sweet potato slices in the batter and fry until golden.
4. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

23. Purple Sweet Potato Pizza Base – Unique and Visually Stunning Pizza

A naturally colorful and delicious pizza base.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed purple sweet potato
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix all ingredients into a dough.
3. Roll out on a floured surface.
4. Pre-bake for 10 minutes, add toppings, and bake for another 15 minutes.

24. Purple Sweet Potato Chips – Crispy and Vibrant Snack Option

A simple, crispy snack that’s naturally colorful.

Ingredients:

• 2 purple sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss potato slices with olive oil and salt.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until crispy.

25. Purple Sweet Potato Fries – Perfectly Seasoned Fries with a Twist

A healthier and colorful alternative to regular fries.

Ingredients:

• 2 purple sweet potatoes, cut into fries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss fries with olive oil, paprika, and salt.
3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 25 minutes or until crispy.

Conclusion

Purple sweet potatoes are a nutritional and visual delight that can elevate your meals with their unique color and taste. From savory dishes like fries and curries to sweet treats like brownies, their versatility knows no bounds. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, they are not only a feast for the eyes but also a boon for your health. By incorporating these vibrant tubers into your meals, you can enjoy a delightful and wholesome dining experience.