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    Home » Side Dishes

    Swede Mash (Rutabaga)

    Posted: Jul 27, 2023 · Updated: Jul 27, 2023 by Tonje

    Jump to Recipe
    A bowl of mashed swede.
    Swede mash in a bowl and in a pot.

    Creamy swede mash is the perfect way to enjoy fresh rutabaga. This is a fantastic side dish that pairs incredibly well with most meats and is a great addition to any roast dinner.

    A bowl of creamy mashed swede.
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love it
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • Serving suggestions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • You might also like these recipes
    • Recipe
    • Food safety tips

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about it in the privacy policy.

    Swede is a sweet-tasting root vegetable. Its flavor is quite similar to carrot or butternut squash, and it's usually served either roasted, boiled, or mashed, typically with a hearty and meaty entree.

    This is a really simple recipe, and the method is very similar to making mashed potatoes.

    Why you'll love it

    • Easy to make side dish
    • Pairs well with any meat, particularly salty meat like gammon
    • Perfect side dish for a roast dinner
    • The best way to eat swede
    • Great alternative to mashed potatoes

    Ingredients

    Swede: You will of course need swede in this recipe. I love using fresh, in-season swede, but if you can get them frozen then that is fine to use as well.

    Butter: Makes the mash buttery smooth. Use a dairy free option if required.

    Double cream / heavy cream: Cream really makes the mash extra creamy. You can substitute with milk for a low calorie version.

    Salt + ground black pepper: Optional, but add a lovely flavor to the mash.

    The ingredients needed to make this recipe.

    Instructions

    You can find full instructions + ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page

    Step 1: Peel the swede, and dice into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a pot, and cover with water. Boil on medium-high heat until they are soft enough to easily pierce with a fork. This usually takes about 15 minutes.

    Step 2: Drain off any excess water, and use a potato masher or fork to mash the boiled swede.

    Step 3: Add your butter, cream, salt, and pepper to the mash.

    Step 4: Stir to combine the ingredients. Add more salt and pepper to taste if needed. Serve immediately.

    Step by step images showing how to make this recipe.

    Top tips

    • Cut the swede into similar sized chunks to ensure that they finish boiling at the same time.
    • Make sure that the swede is properly cooked before you start mashing it, or your mash will end up having hard lumps.
    • If you want your mash to be completely smooth, you can use a stick blender instead of a potato masher.

    Serving suggestions

    I love serving swede mash as a tasty side dish and as an alternative to mashed potatoes. It tastes amazing served with any meat, but I recommend serving it with a ham joint or air fryer gammon.

    You can also pair it with sausages, roast beef, leg of lamb, or any other hearty main course.

    A plate with swede mash, honey roasted parsnips and carrots, and air fryer gammon.

    Variations

    Dairy free: You can easily make dairy free mashed swede by either omitting the butter and milk, or using dairy free alternatives like oil based margarine and oat milk or soy milk.

    Low calorie: Substitute the cream for milk to reduce the amount of calories in the dish.

    Swede and carrot mash: Change the flavor by using a combination of swede and carrots. You can use which ever ratio you like, but I suggest replacing half of the swede with 2-3 carrots.

    With potatoes: Swede mash with potatoes is extra creamy, and more similar to mashed potatoes. Substitute half of the swede with 2-3 potatoes.

    Equipment

    To make swede mash, you will need a medium sized pot or saucepan. Additionally, you will need a tool suitable for mashing. I prefer to use my potato masher, but you can also use a fork or even a hand blender.

    Creamy rutabaga mash in a pot.

    Storage

    Store any leftover mashed swede in a sealed container in a fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it in a pot on the stove, or in a microwave for around a minute.

    You can also freeze swede mash. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend omitting the cream to prevent it from splitting when you thaw the dish. Instead, make it without the cream, and simply add the cream right before serving after the mash is thawed.

    You might also like these recipes

    • Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
    • Healthy Mashed Potatoes
    • Roasted Carrots and Potatoes
    • Air Fryer Broccoli
    • Sauteed Red Cabbage

    If you make this recipe, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with #hintofhealthy!

    Recipe

    Swede mash in a bowl, garnished with parsley.

    Creamy Swede Mash (Rutabaga)

    This creamy and delicious swede mash is a fantastic side dish to serve alongside any meaty entree. Simple yet tasty!
    5 from 1 vote
    Created by: Tonje
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine British
    Servings 4
    Calories 87 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 swede
    • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (UK: double cream)
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Peel the swede, and dice into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a pot, and cover with water. Boil on medium-high heat until they are soft enough to easily pierce with a fork. This usually takes about 15 minutes.
      1 swede
    • Drain off any excess water, and use a potato masher or fork to mash the swede.
    • Add your butter, cream, salt, and pepper to the mash.
      1 tablespoon butter, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons heavy cream
    • Stir to combine the ingredients. Add more salt and pepper to taste if needed. Serve immediately.

    Video

    Notes

    • Store any leftovers in a fridge for up to 4 days. 
    • Feel free to substitute some of the swede with parsnips, carrots or potatoes to make a mixed root vegetable mash. This is a great way to change up the recipe, and a fantastic opportunity to use up leftover vegetables from your fridge!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 87kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 181mgPotassium: 304mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 0.4mg
    Keyword boiled swede, swede mash
    Tried this recipe?Mention @hintofhealthyfood or tag #hintofhealthy!

    Food safety tips

    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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    Hi, I'm Tonje! I make easy and healthy everyday recipes that your family will love. Browse my recipe collection to discover new favorites, and make sure to let me know what you think!

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