Sweet Potato Pie

The sweet potato pie is a rich and aromatic dessert, typical of American cuisine, especially during Thanksgiving. Here is how to prepare a classic version of sweet potato pie, with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

• 500 g of sweet potatoes
• 1 roll of brisée dough or shortcrust pastry
• 100 g of brown sugar
• 50 g of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 120 ml of whole milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• Pinch of ground cloves (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake them until they become soft, which generally takes about 1 hour. Once cooked, remove the skin and mash them until you have a soft puree.

2. Unroll the brisée dough and gently lay it inside a pie dish, pressing well on the edges. Trim the excess and, with a fork, prick the bottom. You can pre-bake the base in the oven for about 10 minutes if you prefer a crisper texture.

3. In a large bowl, mix the sweet potato puree with the brown sugar and softened butter. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Incorporate the milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and cloves (if using), stirring until the mixture is homogeneous.

5. Pour the filling into the brisée base and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the filling is set and the surface is slightly golden.

6. Allow the sweet potato pie to cool completely before serving. For an Italian touch, you might serve it with a scoop of cream gelato or a drizzle of chestnut honey.

Curiosity

Sweet potato pie has roots that date back to the colonial settlements of the United States, where sweet potatoes were abundant and used in many dishes, both sweet and savory. Within a few generations, it has become a specialty of the South and a staple of American home cooking.

Enjoy your baking and your meal!