Deluxe Purple Sweet Potato Casserole with Meringue Topping
Savory and sweet, this Deluxe Purple Sweet Potato Casserole combines the natural sweetness and stunning purple hue of sweet potatoes with a silky meringue topping. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, this dish is not only visually striking but also incredibly delicious, with a hint of warmth from pumpkin pie spice. The smooth sweet potato base, enhanced with butter and seasoned to perfection, is complemented by the glossy meringue that's toasted to a golden finish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
purple sweet potato
4 lbs (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
whole milk
1/2 cup (none)
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (plus more for baking dish)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
large egg whites
3 (none)
sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (none)
vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon (none)
pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by preparing the sweet potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed purple sweet potatoes in a large saucepan. Add cold water until the sweet potatoes are covered by about 2 inches. Generously salt the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until tender and easily pierced with the tip of a knife, about 15-20 minutes.
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2. While the sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare the meringue. In a heatproof bowl of a stand mixer, combine the egg whites, 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place the bowl over simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Whisk the mixture constantly by hand until warm to the touch and the sugar has completely dissolved, checking the texture by rubbing it between your fingertips.
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3. Attach the bowl to a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Start whisking on low speed, gradually increasing to medium-high until you achieve stiff, glossy peaks. Continue to whisk until the meringue is fully cooled, approximately 10-15 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice and mix on low speed until well combined. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a 1A Wilton tip and set aside.
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4. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain thoroughly. Return them to the pan and place over medium heat, stirring continuously until any remaining liquid evaporates and the bottom of the pan has a thin film, about 2 minutes.
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5. Remove the pan from the heat and add the whole milk and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a buttered 8x8” baking dish, spreading them evenly.
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6. Pipe the prepared meringue over the mashed sweet potatoes in a decorative pattern of your choice, such as a checkerboard.
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7. Using a kitchen torch, lightly toast the meringue until the peaks are golden brown. Alternatively, place under a broiler until toasted.
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8. Serve immediately and enjoy your exquisite and flavorful casserole.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deluxe Purple Sweet Potato Casserole?
It is a savory and sweet side dish featuring a smooth purple sweet potato base topped with a toasted, spiced meringue.
How many pounds of purple sweet potatoes are required?
The recipe requires 4 pounds of purple sweet potatoes.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared for boiling?
They should be peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes.
How long do the sweet potatoes need to boil?
They should simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a knife.
What ingredients are needed for the meringue?
The meringue consists of 3 large egg whites, 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice.
How do I ensure the sugar is dissolved in the meringue?
Whisk the egg whites and sugar over simmering water and check the texture by rubbing it between your fingertips until it no longer feels grainy.
How long should I whisk the meringue in the stand mixer?
Whisk for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until stiff, glossy peaks form and the mixture is fully cooled.
When is the pumpkin pie spice added?
The spice is added at the very end of the meringue preparation, along with the vanilla extract.
What piping tip is recommended for the topping?
The recipe suggests using a 1A Wilton piping tip.
Why do the potatoes need to be returned to the heat after draining?
This step allows any remaining liquid to evaporate, ensuring the mash is not watery.
How much butter is added to the sweet potato mash?
Four tablespoons of unsalted butter are mixed into the mashed potatoes.
What type of milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of whole milk.
What size baking dish should be used?
An 8x8-inch baking dish is the recommended size.
How do you achieve the golden brown finish on the meringue?
You can use a kitchen torch or place the dish under a broiler until toasted.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but you may want to reduce the additional salt added to the mash to balance the flavors.
What kind of salt is specified in the ingredients?
The recipe specifies kosher salt.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
What is the flavor profile of the meringue?
It is sweet with warm notes of vanilla and pumpkin pie spice.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What is a suggested decorative pattern for the meringue?
A checkerboard pattern is a recommended decorative option.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should butter the 8x8-inch baking dish before adding the potatoes.
What should the consistency of the mashed potatoes be?
They should be mashed until smooth and creamy.
Can I use a hand whisk for the whole meringue process?
While possible, a stand mixer is highly recommended to achieve the necessary stiff peaks over 10 to 15 minutes.
Is there any sugar in the potato base itself?
No, the sugar is reserved for the meringue topping; the base relies on the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
How much pumpkin pie spice is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
Can this be served for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday side dish and is perfect for festive occasions.
Should the potatoes be started in hot or cold water?
You should place the potatoes in cold water and then bring it to a boil.