flipSweet Potato Pie
Sweet Potato Pie
Why this dish? Sweet potato pie is the iconic dessert of African American special occasions: Thanksgiving, family gatherings, community reunions. Even more than pumpkin pie (rather white), it is claimed as an identity marker of the Black table — a heritage of pride that Tarana Burke carries as an advocate for the dignity of Black communities.
A pie with an orange, silky filling perfumed with cinnamon and nutmeg, set in a buttery crust. Sweet, comforting, it is the dessert of happy Sundays and holidays.
This pie, that's the one for big days. The sweet potato, you cook it until it's soft, you mash it smooth, and you add cinnamon, nutmeg — the kitchen fills with a smell that calls everyone in before it's even ready. At our house, we'd fight for the last slice. It's a dessert that says: we're here, together, and we have something to celebrate.
- •Sweet potatoes — a few (filling base)
- •Sugar — to taste (sweetness)
- •Eggs — two (binder)
- •Butter — a good spoonful (richness)
- •Cinnamon and nutmeg — to taste (warm spices)
- •Milk — as needed (creaminess)
- •Pie crust — one shell (support)
Sweet Potato Pie
A pie with an orange, silky filling perfumed with cinnamon and nutmeg, set in a buttery crust. Sweet, comforting, it is the dessert of happy Sundays and holidays.
Why this dish? Sweet potato pie is the iconic dessert of African American special occasions: Thanksgiving, family gatherings, community reunions. Even more than pumpkin pie (rather white), it is claimed as an identity marker of the Black table — a heritage of pride that Tarana Burke carries as an advocate for the dignity of Black communities.
This pie, that's the one for big days. The sweet potato, you cook it until it's soft, you mash it smooth, and you add cinnamon, nutmeg — the kitchen fills with a smell that calls everyone in before it's even ready. At our house, we'd fight for the last slice. It's a dessert that says: we're here, together, and we have something to celebrate.
Ingredients (period version)
- Sweet potatoes — a few (filling base)
- Sugar — to taste (sweetness)
- Eggs — two (binder)
- Butter — a good spoonful (richness)
- Cinnamon and nutmeg — to taste (warm spices)
- Milk — as needed (creaminess)
- Pie crust — one shell (support)
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes — 700 g (about 2 large) (filling base)
- Brown sugar — 150 g (sweetness)
- Eggs — 2 (binder)
- Melted butter — 60 g (richness)
- Evaporated milk (or cream) — 120 ml (creaminess)
- Cinnamon — 1 tsp (warm spice)
- Grated nutmeg — 1/2 tsp (warm spice)
- Vanilla extract — 1 tsp (flavor)
- Pie crust (shortcrust) — 1 pie shell (support)
Method
- Cook the sweet potatoes (baked or boiled) until very tender, then peel them.
- Mash them into a smooth purée while still hot.
- Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust.
- Bake at 180 °C for 45 to 55 minutes: the filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely before serving: the pie is enjoyed warm or cold.
How it was made : Imported from West Africa where the yam held a ritual place, the sweet potato was adopted as a substitute in the Southern United States. African American cooks turned it into a sophisticated dessert as early as the 19th century; Black cookbooks are full of them. The pie today is a strong cultural symbol, distinct from the white cuisine's 'pumpkin pie.'
The contemporary twist : A bourbon whipped cream and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to wake up the sweet spices.
Sources : Jessica B. Harris, 'High on the Hog' (2011) · Adrian Miller, 'Soul Food' (2013)
Tarana Burke · Charactorium
