Delicious Sweet Potato Pie

Delicious Sweet Potato Pie Recipe - A Taste of the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Sweet potato pie is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This delicious pie is made with sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It is a comforting and flavorful dessert that is sure to please any crowd.

History

Sweet potato pie has been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the United States during the colonial era when sweet potatoes were a common ingredient in many dishes. The pie became popular in the South due to the abundance of sweet potatoes in the region. Today, sweet potato pie is enjoyed all over the country and is a favorite dessert during the holiday season.

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes
2 cups sugar
1 stick of butter
1 pinch of cinnamon
1 pinch of nutmeg
1 store-bought pie crust or you can just line a pan with vanilla wafers instead
0.5 cup of milk

How to prepare

Boil the potatoes until they are tender.
When a fork easily goes into the potatoes but they don't fall apart, they are done.
Allow the potatoes to cool, then peel them.
Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl and thoroughly mash them with a potato masher.
Melt the butter and add it along with the other ingredients to the bowl of potatoes.
Stir until the mixture is well combined.
If using a ready-made pie crust or cookies, pour the potato mixture into the crust.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C) and place the mixture in it.
Bake for approximately 35 – 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry.

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch.
Use maple syrup or brown sugar instead of white sugar for a different flavor profile.
Top the pie with a streusel topping for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to boil the sweet potatoes until they are tender but not falling apart.

- Thoroughly mash the sweet potatoes to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.

- Adding warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the flavor of the pie.

- Preheating the oven to the correct temperature is crucial for even baking.

- Allow the pie to cool before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sweet potato pie warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the sweet potatoes until tender and mashing them thoroughly ensures a smooth and creamy filling. Baking the pie at the correct temperature ensures even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use coconut oil or margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Use graham cracker crumbs or crushed gingersnap cookies instead of vanilla wafers for the crust.

Make Ahead Tips

Sweet potato pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the pie to come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pie with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sweet potato pie pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of milk for a comforting dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover sweet potato pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of sweet potato pie contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Sweet potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. One serving of sweet potato pie contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Butter is the main source of fat in sweet potato pie. One serving of sweet potato pie contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Sweet potato pie is not a significant source of protein. One serving contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Sweet potato pie may contain dairy (butter) and gluten (if using a store-bought crust). It is important to check for allergens before consuming.

Summary

Sweet potato pie is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie content.

Summary

Sweet potato pie is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With warm spices and a creamy filling, this pie is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy a slice of sweet potato pie for a taste of Southern hospitality.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping out at a local bake sale. As a young girl, I was always eager to learn new recipes and techniques from the older ladies in the community. That day, Mrs. Jenkins, a sweet old lady with a twinkle in her eye, handed me a tattered old recipe card and said, "You must try this sweet potato pie, dear. It's simply delicious."

I eagerly took the card and read through the ingredients and instructions. The thought of combining sweet potatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a flaky pie crust sounded like a dream come true. I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

That evening, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. As I peeled and boiled the sweet potatoes, the house filled with a warm, comforting aroma that made my stomach growl in anticipation. I mashed the sweet potatoes with butter, sugar, and spices, and poured the mixture into a pre-baked pie crust. The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafted through the kitchen as the pie baked to a golden perfection.

When the pie was finally done, I couldn't resist taking a small slice to taste. The first bite was like a burst of flavor in my mouth - sweet, creamy, and perfectly spiced. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I made the sweet potato pie countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. Sometimes I added a splash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top for a bit of crunch. Each time I made the pie, I thought of Mrs. Jenkins and how grateful I was for her sharing this recipe with me.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, the sweet potato pie became a tradition in our household. My children would beg me to make it for special occasions, and I always happily obliged. It became a symbol of love and comfort, a reminder of the simple joys of life.

Years passed, and I never forgot the kindness of Mrs. Jenkins and the gift of her sweet potato pie recipe. It was a connection to the past, a link to a time when baking was more than just a chore - it was a way to spread joy and bring people together.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of cinnamon and nutmeg, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The sweet potato pie is in the oven, filling the house with its delicious aroma, and I know that soon my family will gather around the table to enjoy a slice of this beloved dessert.

As I take the pie out of the oven and let it cool on the counter, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for all the wonderful recipes and techniques I have learned over the years. Each one has its own story, its own special meaning. And the sweet potato pie, with its roots in a simple recipe shared by a kind old lady, will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

So, as I slice into the pie and serve it to my loved ones, I know that I am passing on more than just a recipe. I am passing on a tradition, a story, a piece of my heart. And I hope that one day, my grandchildren will sit in their own kitchens, surrounded by the scents of cinnamon and nutmeg, and remember the sweet potato pie that their grandmother used to make.