Potato Pound
Potato Pound Recipe from Belize with Sweet Potatoes and Coconut
Introduction
Potato Pound is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the warmth of ginger and nutmeg, creating a flavorful and satisfying treat.
History
Potato Pound has its origins in Caribbean cuisine, where sweet potatoes are a staple ingredient. This recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to make it their own.
Ingredients
- 2 lb (907 g) grated sweet potatoes
- 2 – 4 oz (900 g) grated root ginger
- 0.75 – 1 lb (2 cups / 450 g) brown sugar
- 1 cup (112 g) raisins (optional)
- 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla
- 1 tsp (5 ml) nutmeg
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) melted margarine
- 4 cups grated coconut, squeezed to extract the milk or use evaporated milk
How to prepare
- Grease baking tins or pyrex dishes.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (225°C).
- Wash, peel, and grate potatoes.
- Grate coconut.
- Add four cups of flour, squeeze to extract milk or use evaporated milk.
- Put grated potato into a large bowl.
- Add sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, raisins, and ginger.
- Mix well.
- Add milk and margarine.
- Mix well.
- Put in baking dishes or pans.
- Place on the bottom shelf of the oven for 30–45 minutes, then move to the top shelf and lower the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
- Cook until brown or until a knife inserted comes out clean.
- Approximately 75–90 minutes.
Variations
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
- Experiment with different spices such as cinnamon or allspice for a unique twist.
- Swap out the sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a savory version of this dish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to grease your baking tins or pyrex dishes well to prevent sticking.
- Grate the sweet potatoes and ginger finely for a smoother texture.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preference.
- Be sure to mix the ingredients well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Potato Pound warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Cooking Techniques
Grate the sweet potatoes and ginger by hand for a traditional touch.
- Use a food processor to speed up the grating process.
- Bake the Potato Pound in a water bath for a moist and tender texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.
- Substitute almond milk for evaporated milk for a dairy-free option.
- Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the Potato Pound mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This can save time on busy days or when entertaining guests.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Potato Pound in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or slice it into squares for a more casual presentation. Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon for a decorative finish.
Pairing Recommendations
Enjoy Potato Pound with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience. For a more indulgent pairing, try it with a glass of dessert wine or a scoop of rum raisin ice cream.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Potato Pound in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Potato Pound contains around 300 calories, making it a satisfying treat without being overly indulgent.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Potato Pound contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates, making it a filling and energy-rich dessert option.
Fats
With the addition of margarine and coconut, Potato Pound contains around 15 grams of fats per serving, providing a rich and indulgent texture.
Proteins
This recipe offers a moderate amount of protein, with each serving containing about 5 grams.
Vitamins and minerals
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber, making Potato Pound a nutritious dessert choice.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (evaporated milk) and nuts (coconut), so be mindful of any allergies when serving.
Summary
Potato Pound is a balanced dessert option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Potato Pound is a comforting and flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the warmth of ginger and nutmeg. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, this recipe is a nutritious and satisfying treat for any occasion.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Potato Pound. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, whipping up delicious meals and treats with ease. I would watch in awe as she moved around the kitchen, her hands working magic with each ingredient she touched.
One day, as I sat at the kitchen table watching her prepare dinner, she pulled out a tattered old recipe book from the cupboard. The pages were yellowed with age and stained with splatters of ingredients long past. She flipped through the book, pausing on a page that caught her eye.
"This," she said with a gleam in her eye, "is a recipe for Potato Pound. It's a family favorite, passed down through generations. Would you like to learn how to make it?"
I nodded eagerly, my curiosity piqued. I had never heard of Potato Pound before, but the name alone intrigued me. My grandmother began to read off the ingredients and instructions, her voice steady and sure.
"We'll need potatoes, flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a touch of vanilla extract," she said, gathering the ingredients from the pantry. "It's a simple recipe, but the key is in the technique. You have to mix everything just right to achieve the perfect texture."
I watched closely as she peeled and boiled the potatoes, mashing them into a smooth paste. She added the flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla, blending everything together with a wooden spoon. The kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of baking potatoes and sweet vanilla.
As she poured the batter into a greased loaf pan and placed it in the oven, I couldn't wait for the finished product. The anticipation built as the timer ticked away, the scent growing stronger with each passing minute.
Finally, the timer dinged, and my grandmother pulled the Potato Pound out of the oven. It was golden brown and fragrant, a beautiful sight to behold. She sliced off a piece and handed it to me, a smile on her face.
"Try it," she said. "See what you think."
I took a bite, savoring the rich, buttery flavor of the Potato Pound. It was moist and dense, with a hint of sweetness from the sugar and vanilla. The texture was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
I looked up at my grandmother, my eyes wide with amazement. "This is incredible," I breathed. "How did you learn to make this?"
She smiled, a twinkle in her eye. "I learned this recipe from my own grandmother, just like you're learning it from me now. It's been passed down through the generations, a treasured family secret. And now, it's yours to carry on."
From that day on, Potato Pound became a staple in our household. I would make it for special occasions, birthdays, and holidays, always remembering the sense of wonder I felt when I first learned to make it with my grandmother.
Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the memories of generations past, I can't help but smile as I pull out that tattered old recipe book and flip to the page for Potato Pound. The recipe may be simple, but the love and tradition behind it are anything but.
And as I mix together the ingredients, just as my grandmother taught me so many years ago, I feel a connection to her and to all the women who came before me. Cooking has always been more than just a way to nourish our bodies – it's a way to honor our heritage, to keep our traditions alive, and to create lasting memories with the ones we love.
So as I take that first bite of warm, fragrant Potato Pound, I know that I am not just tasting a delicious treat – I am tasting a piece of my family's history, a reminder of the love and care that has been passed down through the generations. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Categories
| Belizean Appetizers | Belizean Recipes | Coconut Recipes | Evaporated Milk Recipes | Raisin Recipes | Sweet Potato Recipes |