Savory Sweet-Potato Souffles

By kmad

Flavored with onion, garlic, and thyme, these savory mini souffles are a favorite in our test kitchen. They get their cheesy, crusty tops from melted Gruyere cheese. Serve them warm from the oven as a side dish, and eat them with a spoon.

Ingredients

• cup Sweet-Potato Puree:
• 1 tablespoon butter, plus more for baking dishes
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3/4 cup coarsely grated Gruyere cheese
• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
• Maple-butter, orange-ginger, or lime-cayenne flavoring (optional)
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• Directions
• In a large saucepan, cover potatoes with water. Bring to a boil; cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Drain potatoes; puree in food processor.
• Add flavorings, if desired; puree. For Maple-Butter: Add 2 tablespoons each melted butter and maple syrup; serve puree with more butter and syrup. For Orange-Ginger: Add 1/4 cup each milk and orange j
• Season with salt and pepper.
• 3 large eggs, separated

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from marthastewart.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter four 3/4-cup ramekins; set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add onion, garlic, and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until onion is softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in flour; cook, stirring, 3 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk; simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk in sweet-potato puree, then egg yolks, one at a time.
In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Whisk 1/4 of whites into cheese mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the rest.
Place ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour mixture into ramekins; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.