| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 18g | 7g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 23g | 6g | 5g | 0.15g |
Why I Love South African African Sweet Potato Pudding
As a lover of diverse cuisines, my heart beats a little faster each time I find a recipe that harmoniously merges unique ingredients into a symphony of flavors. One such concoction is the African Sweet Potato Pudding. This South African delicacy is not only diverse, but also bears a comforting sweetness, subtle spice undertones, and a richness that makes it a standout on any dining table.
Touch of Japanese Demeanor
While being Japanese and having a deep-seated affinity for my nation’s traditional dishes, my culinary explorations go far beyond the Sea of Japan. The African Sweet Potato Puddinge recipe particularly has resonated with me due to its simple yet elegant construction – quite reminiscent of the balance and minimalism seen in many Japanese dishes. The sweet potato, which quietly sings the main melody in this pudding, is a staple found in many traditional Japanese dishes, much like it is in South Africa.
Ingredients and the Art of Cooking
The recipe calls for:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
The combination of these ingredients in the African Sweet Potato Pudding creates a sensation of warmth, comfort and a delightful surprise. The sweet potatoes’ comforting familiarity dances with the butter’s creaminess, while the vanilla extract and spices stir in an exoticism that sparks curiosity. The pecans are the pièce de résistance, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the pudding’s creaminess.
I owe my successful execution of the African Sweet Potato Pudding to the YouTube videos of South African Chef Sipho Gcabashe. Watching his confident mastery over South African dishes provided invaluable insights and inspired me to adapt the recipe while retaining its authenticity.
In a world where cultures are becoming increasingly intertwined, the African Sweet Potato Pudding serves as a delightful reminder of what makes each culture unique – its captivating stories, special traditions, and of course, delectable cuisines.
What You’ll Need
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
Method
Step One
First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, peel the sweet potatoes, cut them into chunks, then boil them until they’re very soft, which will take about 20-30 minutes.
Step Two
When your sweet potatoes have finished cooking, drain them and mash them in a large bowl with a potato masher until they’re smooth.
Step Three
Add the sugar and softened butter to the bowl of mashed sweet potatoes. Mix thoroughly until the sugar and butter are incorporated into the sweet potato mash.
Step Four
Beat the eggs into the sweet potato mixture. Then, add the milk, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure to stir everything together very well so your pudding will have a consistent texture.
Step Five
Next, stir the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the sweet potato pudding mix. Once these are well incorporated, add the chopped pecans.
Step Six
Transfer the sweet potato pudding mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the surface of the pudding.
Step Seven
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top of the pudding is golden brown and set.
Step Eight
Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool a bit before serving. Enjoy your African Sweet Potato Pudding!
