Georgette's Sweet Potato Pie
Ingredients
- For the Crust
- 2 1/4 cup self-rising flour
- 1 stick butter (8 tbsp, 1/2 cup, 115g)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp pet milk (evaporated milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- For the Filling
- 6 to 9 sweet potatoes (about 4 lb) or canned sweet potatoes, drained
- 1 stick butter (8 tbsp, 1/2 cup, 115g)
- 1 1/2 cup sugar (or mix of white and brown sugar to taste)
- 2 to 3 tsp nutmeg
- 2 to 3 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp vanilla
Step-by-Step Instructions
- For the dough: Mix all crust ingredients together and form a ball, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Roll dough and place into pie plate; fill with the sweet potato filling below and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30 minutes.
- For Filling: Boil sweet potatoes in their skins until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Cool slightly and peel. If you use canned sweet potatoes there is no need to warm them. While potatoes are still warm, add butter, sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well; mash and mix potatoes with mixer or masher until smooth and free from lumps. Whip potatoes with a mixer and remove strings. Pour into the dough-covered pie pan.
Common Problems and Solutions
Q: Why is my filling lumpy?
A: Make sure to whip the sweet potatoes while they're still warm - this makes them easier to smooth out. Use a mixer rather than just a masher, and remove any strings as you mix. If using canned sweet potatoes, they're already smooth and just need to be mixed well with the other ingredients.
Q: Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising?
A: Yes, but you'll need to add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of all-purpose flour to replicate self-rising flour.
Q: Why did my crust get soggy?
A: Make sure the sweet potato filling isn't too wet - if using canned sweet potatoes, drain them well. Also, bake the pie long enough so the crust sets properly. The filling should be firm when done, not runny.
Tips and Techniques
Refrigerating the dough for a full hour makes it much easier to roll out and prevents shrinking during baking. If your dough is too sticky to roll, add a tablespoon or two more flour. For extra flavor, you can toast the nutmeg and cinnamon briefly in a dry pan before adding to the filling.
Ingredient Substitutions
- self-rising flour: all-purpose flour plus 3 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1 tsp salt
- pet milk (evaporated milk): regular whole milk or half-and-half
- fresh sweet potatoes: canned sweet potatoes or yams
- butter: margarine
Equipment Needed
- pie plate
- mixing bowl
- rolling pin
- electric mixer or potato masher
- large pot for boiling potatoes
Historical Context
Sweet potato pie is a beloved Southern dessert with deep roots in African American culinary tradition, often served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings throughout Louisiana and the South. Unlike pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie has a denser, creamier texture and more complex flavor.
