Mashed Sweet Potato with Peas & Corn

Article written and reviewed by Robby Barbaro, MPH
Published July 28, 2026

A Creamy, Comforting Side That’s Packed with Vegetables

Mashed potatoes are a comfort food favorite, but this colorful twist takes things in a more nourishing direction. Naturally sweet mashed sweet potatoes are blended with warming spices and a touch of lite coconut milk, then folded together with spinach, peas, and corn for a side dish that's as nutritious as it is satisfying.

The result is creamy, colorful, and full of flavor, making it an easy addition to weeknight dinners or holiday meals alike.

With just a handful of whole-food ingredients and 15 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is proof that healthy comfort food can be simple.

Sweet Potatoes for Fiber, Natural Sweetness, and Lasting Energy

Sweet potatoes create the rich, creamy base of this dish while providing complex carbohydrates and fiber that help promote steady energy.

Their naturally sweet flavor pairs beautifully with savory spices like paprika, garlic, and onion powder, creating a comforting dish without needing butter or cream. Sweet potatoes are also rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant the body converts into vitamin A to support healthy vision and immune function.

Garlic, Onion, and Paprika for Savory Comfort

Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika transform the naturally sweet potatoes into a savory side dish. The combination adds warmth and depth without overpowering the fresh vegetables.

A small amount of lite coconut milk helps create an ultra-creamy texture while keeping the recipe light and completely dairy-free.

Peas and Corn for Color, Texture, and Plant Nutrition

Sweet peas and corn bring bursts of color and texture that make every bite more interesting. Together, they add fiber, vitamins, and naturally sweet flavor that complements the creamy mashed sweet potatoes.

Rather than blending everything together completely, folding the vegetables in at the end helps preserve their texture and creates a more satisfying dish.

Spinach for Extra Nutrient Density

Baby spinach wilts directly into the warm mashed sweet potatoes, adding vibrant color and a boost of vitamins and minerals without changing the flavor significantly.

It's an easy way to increase your vegetable intake while making the dish even more filling and nutrient-dense.

Bring It All Together

This Mashed Sweet Potato with Peas & Corn transforms everyday ingredients into a colorful, comforting dish that's perfect any time of year.

Creamy sweet potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and savory spices come together in a simple recipe that's both nourishing and satisfying. Whether served as a wholesome side dish or enjoyed as a light meal on its own, it's an easy way to add more colorful plant foods to your table.

Mashed Sweet Potato with Peas & Corn

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 3 Serving
Calories 395 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 3 cups (802g) Sweet Potato (chopped) - About 4 large-sized sweet potatoes
  • 2 tbsps (30g) Lite Coconut Milk - Available in 13.5-ounce cans
  • ½ tsp (2g) Garlic Powder - Available in spice jars
  • ½ tsp (1g) Onion Powder - Available in spice jars
  • ½ tsp (1g) Paprika - Available in spice jars
  • 2 cups (60g) Baby Spinach (chopped) - Available in 16-ounce containers
  • ½ cup (83g) Frozen Corn (thawed in hot water) - Available in 16-ounce bags
  • ½ cup (80g) Frozen Peas (thawed in hot water) - Available in 16-ounce bags

Instructions
 

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 7–10 minutes. Drain and return the sweet potatoes to the pot.
  • Add the lite coconut milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mash with a fork or immersion blender until mostly smooth.
  • Stir in the spinach, corn, and peas until well combined and the spinach has wilted.
  • Divide among plates and serve warm.

Notes

  • More Heat: Add chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mashed sweet potatoes, if desired.
  • Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 86gProtein: 11gFat: 3.1gFiber: 16g

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About the author 

Robby Barbaro, MPH

Robby Barbaro, MPH is a New York Times bestselling co-author of Mastering Diabetes: The Revolutionary Method to Reverse Insulin Resistance Permanently in Type 1, Type 1.5, Type 2, Prediabetes, and Gestational Diabetes.

Robby was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12 and has been living this lifestyle since 2006. In that time, while eating pounds of fruit every day, his HbA1c has been stable with a current A1c of 5.3%, TIR of 92%, and average total daily insulin use of 30 units.

Robby graduated from the University of Florida and is the cofounder of Mastering Diabetes and Amla Green. He worked at Forks Over Knives for six years before turning his attention in 2016 to coaching people with diabetes full time.

He is the co-host of the annual Mastering Diabetes Online Summit, a featured speaker at VegFest LA, and has been featured on The Doctors, Forks Over Knives, Vice, Thrive Magazine, Diet Fiction, and the wildly popular podcasts the Rich Roll Podcast, Plant Proof, MindBodyGreen, and Nutrition Rounds.

Robby enjoys exercising every day, spending time with friends, and sharing his lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.