Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Salad Recipes
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Recipes to your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • Salad Recipes
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Recipes to your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Side Dishes

Carrot And Swede Mash

Updated: Jan 10, 2025 · Published: Nov 17, 2022 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 9 Comments

13 shares
Diet: Gluten Free / Vegetarian
Jump to Recipe
Carrot and swede mash with a text title overlay.
Carrot and swede mash with a text title overlay.

This carrot and swede mash recipe is a lighter alternative to mashed potato and a flavour packed and vibrant winter side dish that would be perfect with any roast dinner. A comforting mash, but a great way to increase your vegetable intake.

A plate of orange coloured mash topped with butter and chopped herbs.

Carrots and swede are both very budget friendly ingredients, and they make a delicious mash. If you want something a bit lighter than potatoes, then swede and carrot mash ticks that box and it's packed full of nutrients too.

We have kept our mashed carrot and swede simple with just a bit of butter and salt and pepper, but we have given some other add-ins below.

If you are looking for some other mash recipes, then why not try our healthy Root Vegetable Mash, quick Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, simple Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, or our delicious Mustard Mash?

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love It
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Variations
  • How to Make Carrot and Swede Mash - Step by Step
  • How to Serve Swede and Carrot mash
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Roast Dinner Side Dish Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Why You Will Love It

  • Lower carb alternative - If you find mashed potatoes a bit too heavy, then this is a light and lower carb alternative.
  • One of your five a day - It's a comforting mash, but packed full of nutrients.
  • Easy - This mashed carrot and swede couldn't be easier to make. Just cook them and then mash them up to your desired consistency.
  • Can be prepared in advance - You could make this carrot and swede mash and then freeze it for another day, or reheat it later that day.

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Carrots - This is what gives a lovely vibrant colour to the mashed swede and adds a nice sweetness. You usually get quite a few carrots in vegetable boxes, so these carrot and swede mash is a good way to use them up.
  • Swede - Also known as rutabaga, a swede is a starchy and nutty root vegetable and it is used in a similar way to potatoes. You peel it and chop it into chunks.
  • Butter - This helps to make a smooth mash, and also makes it nice and creamy.
  • Salt and pepper - Generously season.

Variations

If you want to make really creamy carrot and swede mash, then we have some suggestions for you. Mash has to be creamy in my opinion. I don't like lumps in it, so I like it nice and smooth with a creamy consistency. We do this by adding a little bit of milk and herb creamy cheese after the vegetables have been mashed.

You can use grated cheddar, or a plain cream cheese, but I think a herb cream cheese adds lots of extra flavour. To add some warmth to this swede and carrot mash, add a pinch of smoked paprika and cinnamon.

If you want to add some more vegetables to this, then why not add some sweet potato and parsnip, like in our Vegetable Mash recipe? Mashing in a tin of butter beans makes it more filling and protein packed too.

How to Make Carrot and Swede Mash - Step by Step

Two shot collage of chopped carrot in a pan, then chopped swede added.
  1. Step 1: Add the chopped carrot and chopped swede to a pan.
Chopped carrot and swede boiling in a pan on a hob.
  1. Step 2: Cover with boiled water. Bring back to the boil and then simmer for 20 minutes.
Mashed carrot and swede in a saucepan.
  1. Step 3: Drain and return to the pan. Mash to your desired consistency.
Butter, salt and pepper added to the mash.
  1. Step 4: Add the butter, salt and pepper. Stir well until the butter has melted.

How to Serve Swede and Carrot mash

We serve it with sausages, chicken, or any kind of roast meat on a Sunday. However, this creamy vegetable mash makes a great topping for shepherd's pie, cottage pie or our Sausage and Mash Pie. A traditional comfort food dish that you can give a little vegetable boost to.

If you are looking for serve with with a roast dinner then we have some delicious suggestions for you. For the meat, try our Slow Cooker Gammon, Slow Cooker Roast Beef or Slow Cooker Lamb Shoulder.

When it comes to other side dishes, this carrot and swede mash goes really well with our Perfect Roast Potatoes, Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets, Slow Cooker Red Cabbage, Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Microwave Broccoli.

Two pats of butter melting on some carrot mash.

Extra Tips

  • Feel free to use a mixture of vegetables, and you could even add some broccoli and cauliflower too.
  • You don't have to make this mash creamy, but a little bit of milk and some cream cheese make it extra creamy and comforting.
  • If you are going to freeze the mash, make sure it has plenty of fat added to it otherwise it won't freeze successfully.
  • Make sure you cut the carrot and swede to similar sizes so they all cook at the same rate. You don't want any undercooked chunks, as they will not mash well.
  • If you want a smoother carrot and swede mash, more like a puree, then put it in a food processor and pulse it until it is the consistency that you want. We like it with some chunks in it. Swede is harder than potato, so you will never get a smooth mash like with potato.
  • You could roast the carrots and swede instead of boiling them, which would intensify the flavour.
Carrot and swede mash on a plate with roast chicken, broccoli, potatoes, parsnips and stuffing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can carrot and swede mash be made in the microwave?

The recipe below is for mash made on the hob, but we often make it in the microwave too. What is the advantage of making it in the microwave? It takes less time, and it saves space on the hob which is essential when you are cooking for a big crowd.
To make it in the microwave, just add all the vegetables to a microwavable bowl, cover and then cook for 8 minutes. Then mash and continue to follow the instructions below.

How to store carrot and swede mash

You can store leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and it can be reheated in the microwave.

Can you freeze carrot and swede mash?

Yes, you can can freeze this side dish and it would save you even more time when you are making a roast dinner. To freeze, wait until the mash has cooled down and then add big scoops on to a lined baking tray (so you have several mounds of mash) and then put in the freezer.
Once they are frozen, you can put them in a freezer bag and back in the freezer, and then take out a lump as and when you need it.
You can reheat it on the hob, in the oven or in the microwave. We like to make a double batch and freeze it for use later.

Why is my carrot and swede mash watery?

Once you have drained the carrots and swede, leave the to steam in the drainer for 5 minutes before adding them back into the pan to mash.

More Roast Dinner Side Dish Recipes

  • Sage and onion stuffing balls on a pink plate.
    Sage and Onion Stuffing
  • Air fryer pigs in blankets on a plate with some thyme.
    Air Fryer Pigs in Blanket
  • A bowl of minted peas.
    Minted Peas
  • Roasted New Potatoes in a round bowl.
    Roasted New Potatoes

If you’ve tried this carrot and swede mash recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

Carrot and swede mash on a plate topped with two pats of butter.

Carrot and Swede Mash

By: Dannii Martin
This carrot and swede mash recipe is a lighter alternative to mashed potato and a flavour packed and vibrant winter side dish.
A circular logo saying GF.
Gluten Free
An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
Vegetarian
4.80 from 15 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: British
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 20 minutes mins
Total: 25 minutes mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 168kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a carton of milk.
Dairy

Ingredients

  • 600 g (1.33 lb) Swede (rutabaga) - diced
  • 600 g (1.33 lb) Carrots - diced
  • 2 tablespoon Butter
  • 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Add the chopped carrot and chopped swede to a pan.
  • Cover with boiled water. Bring back to the boil and then simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Drain and return to the pan. Mash to your desired consistency.
  • Add the butter, salt and pepper. Stir well until the butter has melted.

Recipe Tips

  • Feel free to use a mixture of vegetables, and you could even add some broccoli and cauliflower too.
  • You don't have to make this mash creamy, but a little bit of milk and some cream cheese make it extra creamy and comforting.
  • If you are going to freeze the mash, make sure it has plenty of fat added to it otherwise it won't freeze successfully.
  • Make sure you cut the carrot and swede to similar sizes so they all cook at the same rate. You don't want any undercooked chunks, as they will not mash well.
  • If you want a smoother carrot and swede mash, more like a puree, then put it in a food processor and pulse it until it is the consistency that you want. We like it with some chunks in it. Swede is harder than potato, so you will never get a smooth mash like with potato.
  • You could roast the carrots and swede instead of boiling them, which would intensify the flavour.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 167mg | Potassium: 939mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 25239IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

You'll love these too...

  • A bowl of high protein potato salad with a serving spoon in it.
    High Protein Potato Salad
  • A red bowl full of Greek yogurt coleslaw.
    Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
  • A large serving dish full of Summer pasta salad.
    Easy Summer Pasta Salad
  • Cottage cheese tuna salad on a plate with some square crackers.
    High Protein Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad

Comments

  1. Stephanie says

    November 18, 2022 at 4:54 pm

    5 stars
    I'm excited to try this. I love mashed potatoes, but I don't love the carbs in them. These look like a delicious alternative.

    Reply
  2. Beth says

    November 18, 2022 at 4:03 pm

    5 stars
    The perfect side to a Sunday roast. Carrot and swede go so well together.

    Reply
  3. Tayler says

    November 18, 2022 at 3:17 pm

    5 stars
    I made this mash with dinner last night and it was amazing! Definitely going to make again for Thanksgiving next week!

    Reply
  4. Aimee Mars says

    November 18, 2022 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    So delicious! I did a test run and wanted to practice before Thanksgiving - so glad I did because now I'm extra excited to make this and share with family.

    Reply
  5. Dana says

    November 18, 2022 at 2:47 pm

    5 stars
    Love this! I always loved mashing my carrots or rutabaga into my mashed potatoes at dinner, so this blend really speaks to me.

    Reply
  6. Jen says

    November 18, 2022 at 2:43 pm

    5 stars
    That's definitely a great alternative to mashed potatoes!! Amazing!

    Reply
  7. Toni says

    November 18, 2022 at 2:30 pm

    5 stars
    This quickly became a favorite at my house! My kids loved it!

    Reply
  8. Savita says

    November 18, 2022 at 2:25 pm

    5 stars
    Such a comfort side dish to my winter dinner. Loved the recipe so easy and simple.

    Reply
  9. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

    November 18, 2022 at 8:24 am

    5 stars
    This is my husband's favourite way to eat swede. The flavour balance is perfect and lashings of black pepper too.

    Reply
4.80 from 15 votes (6 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad

  • A plate with salad surrounded by watermelon slices
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad

  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad

  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad

  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad

  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta

  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad

  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks

  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce

  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince

  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.