Haitian Sweet Potato Pie

Haitian Sweet Potato Pie Recipe - Traditional Patat Dish from Haiti

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Haitian Sweet Potato Pie is a delicious and unique dessert that combines the flavors of sweet potatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum extract. This pie is a popular dish in Haitian cuisine and is often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays.

History

The recipe for Haitian Sweet Potato Pie has been passed down through generations in Haitian families. Sweet potatoes are a staple ingredient in Haitian cuisine, and this pie is a creative way to showcase the natural sweetness and versatility of this root vegetable.

Ingredients

5 medium sweet potatoes
1 tsp cinnamon
4 eggs, slightly beaten
0.13 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp rum extract
grating of fresh ginger
0.5 tsp allspice
1.5 cup light cream
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 cup white or brown sugar, firmly packed

How to prepare

Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into cubes.
Simmer the sweet potatoes in salted water until they are tender.
Drain and mash the sweet potatoes, removing any lumps.
Add the eggs, brown sugar, salt, and spices to the mashed sweet potatoes and mix well.
Add the cream and extract. Spoon the mixture into the Windward Island Pie Crust shell.
Bake for an hour, or until the custard is set and a knife inserted in the filling comes out clean.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or raisins to the pie filling for added texture and flavor.
Substitute the rum extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to simmer the sweet potatoes until they are tender to ensure a smooth and creamy texture in the pie filling.

- Be sure to mix the ingredients well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the pie.

- For a richer flavor, you can use heavy cream instead of light cream in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Haitian Sweet Potato Pie warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to bake the pie in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking and a golden brown crust.

- Use a pie crust shield or aluminum foil to prevent the edges of the crust from burning during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh sweet potatoes for convenience.

- Substitute the light cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pie filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This can save time on the day of serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pie with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Haitian Sweet Potato Pie pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Haitian Sweet Potato Pie contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Haitian Sweet Potato Pie contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Haitian Sweet Potato Pie contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Haitian Sweet Potato Pie contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and cream, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please be mindful of any food allergies when preparing this dish.

Summary

Haitian Sweet Potato Pie is a nutritious dessert option that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Haitian Sweet Potato Pie is a delightful dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. With warm spices and a creamy custard filling, this pie is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy a slice of this delicious pie with loved ones and savor the flavors of Haitian cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Marie in Haiti. We were in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the delicious aromas of traditional Haitian dishes simmering on the stove. As we chatted and laughed, Marie suddenly mentioned a special recipe for Haitian Sweet Potato Pie that had been passed down through her family for generations.

Intrigued, I begged her to teach me how to make it. Marie's eyes sparkled with excitement as she rummaged through her spice cabinet, pulling out exotic ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. She handed me a sweet potato, explaining that it was the key ingredient that would give the pie its unique flavor and texture.

As we worked side by side, mixing and measuring, I listened intently as Marie shared stories of her childhood in Haiti. She spoke of her mother and grandmother, who had taught her the art of cooking with love and passion. I could see the pride in her eyes as she passed on their cherished recipe to me, a gesture of friendship and trust that touched my heart.

The pie baked to perfection in the oven, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water. When it was finally ready, Marie and I sat down at the table, eager to taste the fruits of our labor. The first bite was pure bliss – a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors that danced on my tongue.

From that moment on, Haitian Sweet Potato Pie became a staple in my recipe collection. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, each time adding my own little twist to make it my own. But no matter how many times I made it, the memories of that summer day in Haiti with Marie would always be woven into the fabric of the dish.

Over the years, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, learning new recipes and techniques from friends, family, and even strangers I met along the way. Each dish I mastered became a chapter in my culinary journey, a testament to the joy and fulfillment that cooking brought into my life.

But it was always the Haitian Sweet Potato Pie that held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect people, to bridge cultures and generations, and to create lasting memories that would be passed down for years to come.

As I sit here now, years later, with a worn recipe card in my hand and the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the air, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of that day in Marie's kitchen. It was a day that changed my life, that opened my eyes to the beauty and magic of cooking, and that gave me a recipe that would become a cherished tradition in my own family.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a taste of something sweet and soulful, try making a Haitian Sweet Potato Pie. And as you savor each bite, remember the story behind the recipe – a story of friendship, love, and the enduring power of food to bring people together in joy and celebration.