Description
A comforting and flavorful Jamaican Sweet Potato recipe featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes blended with warm spices, brown sugar, and coconut milk, then baked to golden perfection. This dish combines traditional Caribbean flavors with a rich, creamy texture that makes a perfect side or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 lbs Jamaican sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
Flavorings and Mix-ins
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sweet potato mixture later.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes in a large pot. Add water to cover them completely and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and simmer the sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork, indicating they are tender.
- Drain Water: Carefully drain the water from the pot and transfer the sweet potatoes back into the pot to prepare for mashing.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Using a potato masher or fork, mash the sweet potatoes until you achieve a smooth consistency without lumps.
- Prepare Flavor Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add brown sugar, coconut milk, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Mixture with Sweet Potatoes: Pour the warm coconut milk and spice mixture over the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and transfer the sweet potato mixture into it. Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and slightly caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- Jamaican sweet potatoes refer to a variety of sweet potatoes commonly used in Caribbean cooking, often orange or purple-fleshed.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity to taste if a less sweet dish is preferred.
- Using coconut milk adds richness and a subtle tropical flavor typical in Jamaican cuisine.
- Ensure to grease the baking dish well to avoid sticking and easy serving.
- This recipe can be served as a dessert or a side dish alongside savory meals.
