Shelly's Recipe

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Onion and Pancetta

Category: Sweet Potatoes

2 lb. bright-orange sweet potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 oz. pancetta or bacon, finely diced
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Boil sweet potatoes in large saucepan of boiling salted water over medium-high heat 15 to 20 minutes or until very tender. Drain; return to saucepan.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium heat until hot. Cook pancetta 2 to 3 minutes or until beginning to brown. Add onion; cook 15 to 20 minutes or until onions are caramelized, stirring frequently. (Adjust heat, if necessary, to prevent onions from browning too quickly.) Add vinegar, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from bottom of skillet.

Over very low heat, mash sweet potatoes. Stir in mascarpone, salt and pepper. Stir in onion mixture.

8 servings