Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　1 1/2 hr

　　It is critical that you use smoked — not regular—paprika in this dish. Whether you use sweet or hot, you will end up with irresistible sweet potatoes.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 8 servings

　　3 pounds sweet potatoes

　　1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes and softened

　　1/3 cup heavy cream

　　1/4 teaspoon sweet or hot smoked paprika*

　　1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

　　1/8 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste

　　*Available at kalustyans.com

　　

Step 1

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F.

　　

Step 2

Prick each potato once with a fork, then bake potatoes in a foil-lined shallow baking pan until tender, about 1 hour. When cool enough to handle, peel, then cut away any eyes or dark spots. Purée potatoes with butter, cream, paprika, salt, and cayenne in a food processor until smooth.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Purée can be made 1 day ahead and chilled in an airtight container. Reheat in a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally.