Description: A delightful and unexpected fusion of sweet and savory, this pie combines the creamy comfort of sweet potato pie with the spicy kick of Jamaican jerk seasoning, all rounded off with a luscious rum glaze. It’s a surprising yet harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This pie is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you want to add a unique twist to a classic dessert.
Ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (approximately 2 large sweet potatoes), cooked until tender
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup dark rum (plus 2 tablespoons for the glaze, divided)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Jamaican jerk seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- Pinch of salt
- For the Crust:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch), or homemade crust of your choice
- For the Rum Glaze:
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing the sweet potatoes. You can either boil them until tender (about 20-25 minutes), bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes until soft, or microwave them until easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then peel and mash them until smooth. Using a potato ricer or food mill can help ensure a lump-free texture. Measure out 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, heavy cream, ¼ cup dark rum, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, Jamaican jerk seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste the mixture and adjust the amount of jerk seasoning to your preference. Keep in mind that the flavors will intensify during baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Crust: If using a pre-made crust, remove it from the packaging and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. If making your own crust, roll it out to fit the pie dish and crimp the edges decoratively. You can also use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust a few times to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Pie: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden brown. To prevent the crust from browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Make the Rum Glaze: While the pie is baking, prepare the rum glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves completely. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of dark rum and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 7: Glaze the Pie: Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Brush the rum glaze evenly over the top of the pie.
Step 8: Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely at room temperature before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly. You can also refrigerate the pie for a few hours before serving for a firmer texture.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Unique Flavor Combination: The unexpected combination of sweet potatoes and Jamaican jerk seasoning creates a complex and intriguing flavor profile that will surprise and delight your taste buds. The rum glaze adds a touch of boozy sweetness that complements the spice perfectly.
- Comforting and Festive: This pie is both comforting and festive, making it perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want a unique and memorable dessert.
- Easy to Make: Using a pre-made crust simplifies the recipe and makes it quick and easy to prepare. The filling comes together in minutes, and the glaze is a breeze to make.
- Versatile: You can adjust the amount of jerk seasoning to your preference, making it as mild or as spicy as you like. You can also experiment with different types of rum for the glaze.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This pie is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. The unique flavor and creamy texture will have people coming back for seconds.
COOKING Rating: Intermediate
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair with a dessert wine or a glass of dark rum.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality sweet potatoes.
- Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning to your spice preference.
- If you don’t have Jamaican jerk seasoning, you can make your own by combining allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- To prevent the crust from browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus cooling time)
Nutritional Information: (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 5-7g
- Sodium: 200-300mg
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion:
The Rum Glazed Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Pie is a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. With its creamy texture, unique flavor profile, and easy preparation, this pie is sure to become a new favorite for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you crave a memorable dessert. Embrace the unexpected and savor the harmony of sweet potatoes, jerk seasoning, and rum glaze in every delicious bite!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
- While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before mashing. Keep in mind that canned sweet potatoes may have a different flavor and texture than fresh ones.
- I don’t have dark rum. Can I use another type of rum?
- Yes, you can use another type of rum if you don’t have dark rum. Amber rum or spiced rum would also work well in this recipe. However, dark rum will provide a richer, more molasses-like flavor that complements the spices in the pie.
- How can I make this pie vegan?
- To make this pie vegan, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative. You can also use a vegan egg replacement or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to replace the eggs. Make sure to use a vegan pie crust.
- Can I freeze this pie?
- Yes, you can freeze this pie. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Is the jerk seasoning too spicy for children?
- The level of spiciness depends on the specific jerk seasoning you use and how much you add. Start with a small amount and taste the filling before adding more. If you’re concerned about it being too spicy for children, you can reduce the amount of jerk seasoning or use a milder version. Alternatively, you can make a separate, less spicy pie for the kids.
