Sweet potato pie

Sweet Potato Pie

File:Sweet potato pie.jpg A freshly baked sweet potato pie
Type	Pie
Region or state	Southern United States
Main ingredients	Sweet potatoes, milk, sugar, eggs, lemon rind, pie crust
Cookbook: Sweet Potato Pie   Media: Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a traditional dessert, originating from the Southern United States. It is made primarily from sweet potatoes and is often served during the holiday season, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The pie's history dates back to the colonial era, where it was influenced by European pie-making techniques and African cuisine.

Ingredients

The main ingredients for sweet potato pie include:

• Sweet potatoes
• Rich milk (can be whole milk or a combination of milk and cream)
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Grated lemon rind for flavor
• Pie crust, typically a simple pastry of flour, fat, and water

Preparation

To prepare a sweet potato pie, follow these steps:

1. Bake the sweet potatoes until soft, then peel and mash them to make a pint of pulp.
2. Pass the sweet potato pulp through a colander to achieve a smooth texture.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato pulp with a pint of rich milk, a scant cup of sugar, a pinch of salt (if desired), the yolks of two eggs, and a little grated lemon rind for flavor.
4. Pour the mixture into a pie crust prepared in a pie dish, ensuring to use only an under crust.
5. Bake in a preheated oven until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
6. While the pie is baking, beat the whites of two eggs with a tablespoonful of sugar until stiff peaks form. This will be used for the meringue topping.
7. Once the pie is done, spread the meringue over the top and return to the oven. Broil until the meringue is lightly browned.

Serving

Sweet potato pie can be served warm or cold, often with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Its rich, creamy texture and sweet, spiced flavor make it a comforting dessert perfect for ending a festive meal.

Cultural Significance

Sweet potato pie holds a special place in Southern cuisine, embodying the agricultural traditions and culinary heritage of the region. It is a symbol of home and family, often made with love and shared with pride during holiday gatherings and special occasions.

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External links

Nutrition lookup (USDA)