Beni-Imo Sweet Potato Mash with Coconut and Toasted Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy mashed Okinawan purple sweet potato dish enriched with coconut milk and topped with nutty toasted sesame seeds for a vibrant side. This japanese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs coconut milk, unsalted butter, toasted sesame seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Japanese cuisine 210 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 lb peeled and cubed beni-imo purple sweet potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well.
  2. Step 2: Return the drained potatoes to the pot, add 1/2 cup coconut milk and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, mixing well. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds evenly on top. Serve warm as a colorful and flavorful side.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Beni-Imo Sweet Potato Mash with Coconut and Toasted Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Beni-Imo Sweet Potato Mash with Coconut and Toasted Sesame?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep coconut milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beni-Imo Sweet Potato Mash with Coconut and Toasted Sesame?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beni-Imo Sweet Potato Mash with Coconut and Toasted Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Beni-Imo Sweet Potato Mash with Coconut and Toasted Sesame vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes