Caribbean-Spiced Sweet Potato Pie

Bringing a Caribbean Twist to a Southern Classic

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Prep Time: 40 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes | Serves: 8

Southern Sweet Potato Pie has long been a cherished staple in African American households, especially during holiday feasts and regular soul food family gatherings. This traditional dessert is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a significant part of cultural heritage, symbolizing comfort, community, and the warmth of home cooking. Now, let’s take this classic dessert and give it an exciting Caribbean flair by introducing a hint of cayenne pepper, which adds a subtle yet adventurous kick to the sweet and velvety filling.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2-3 medium sweet potatoes)

• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup evaporated milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• 1 prepared 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Two Methods for Preparing Sweet Potatoes

Method 1: Peeling, Dicing, and Boiling Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2-3 large sweet potatoes

• Water

Instructions:

1. Peel the sweet potatoes and dice them into 1-inch cubes.

2. Place the diced sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water.

3. Bring the water to a boil and cook the sweet potatoes until they are tender, about 20-25 minutes.

4. Drain the sweet potatoes and allow them to cool slightly.

5. Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth and proceed to use them in your pie filling.

Advantages:

• Time-efficient: Boiling sweet potatoes is quicker than baking, making it a suitable option when you're short on time.

• Consistent texture: Boiling ensures that the sweet potatoes cook evenly, resulting in a smooth and uniform texture for your pie filling.

Disadvantages:

• Flavor loss: Some of the natural sweetness and flavor of the sweet potatoes may be lost in the boiling water.

• Moisture content: Boiling can introduce more water into the sweet potatoes, potentially requiring adjustments to the pie filling's consistency.

Method 2: Baking Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2-3 large sweet potatoes

• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and wrap each one in aluminum foil.

3. Place the wrapped sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

4. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.

5. Peel off the skin and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth, then use them in your pie filling.

Advantages:

• Enhanced flavor: Baking sweet potatoes concentrates their natural sugars, resulting in a richer, sweeter flavor that enhances the taste of your pie.

• Reduced moisture: Baking reduces the moisture content in sweet potatoes, leading to a denser, creamier pie filling without the need for additional thickeners.

Disadvantages:

• Time-consuming: Baking sweet potatoes takes longer than boiling, which may not be ideal if you're in a hurry.

• Potential uneven cooking: If the sweet potatoes vary in size, some may cook faster than others, requiring careful monitoring.

Both methods have their benefits and drawbacks. Boiling is quicker and ensures a consistent texture but may lead to a less intense flavor and higher moisture content. Baking, on the other hand, enhances the natural sweetness and provides a denser, creamier filling but takes longer and may require more attention to ensure even cooking. Choose the method that best suits your schedule and flavor preference for a delicious sweet potato pie!

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare Pie Crust: Fit the crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges for a decorative touch.

3. Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, sugars, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until well mixed and smooth.

4. Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling into the pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

5. Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes. The pie is done when the filling is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Southern Sweet Potato Pie with a Caribbean Infusion seamlessly marries cherished tradition and culinary creativity. The inclusion of cayenne pepper not only enriches the flavors but also nods respectfully to the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. This pie promises to spark lively discussions at your next gathering, serving as a delightful example of Southern hospitality enhanced with an invigorating spicy edge. Suitable for both grand holiday celebrations and relaxed family dinners, this pie is poised to create lasting impressions on your guests. Relish the balanced blend of sweet and spicy flavors in each mouthful!