Patti LaBelle, the celebrated Grammy award-winning singer, has made waves in the culinary world with her renowned sweet potato pie. Known for its rich, creamy filling and deliciously flaky crust, this recipe is a holiday staple for many. If you’re wondering, how do you make Patti LaBelle sweet potatoes, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into the steps for making this irresistible pie, and by the end, you’ll have a clear answer to how do you make Patti LaBelle sweet potatoes that can impress your family and friends.
Why Is Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potato Pie So Special?
Unlike many other sweet potato pies, Patti LaBelle’s version allows the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to shine, with no unnecessary fillers like pineapple or raisins. One of the unique aspects is the “black bottom” crust, where a layer of brown sugar caramelizes at the bottom of the pie, giving it extra flavor and texture.
Another crucial element is her use of butter-flavored shortening, which ensures a perfectly flaky crust. You can find more tips on pie crust techniques in this guide to achieving a flaky pie crust. And if you’re interested in the nutritional benefits, read more about the health benefits of sweet potatoes, which are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To recreate Patti LaBelle’s famous sweet potato pie, you will need:
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup butter-flavored vegetable shortening (chilled)
- ⅓ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 3 large sweet potatoes (preferably Louisiana yams)
- 8 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- ¼ cup half-and-half
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potatoes
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Start by boiling your sweet potatoes in salted water. Boil them for about 30 minutes until tender.
- Mash the Potatoes: Once boiled, peel the potatoes and mash them until smooth using an electric mixer. You will need about 3 cups of mashed sweet potatoes.
Making the Pie Crust
- Mix the Dough: Sift the flour and kosher salt together. Cut in the chilled butter-flavored shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water and Form Dough: Gradually add the ice water, just enough to bring the dough together. Form it into a disk and refrigerate it for an hour.
- Roll Out and Prepare the Crust: Roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim and flute the edges, then refrigerate again until ready to fill.
Assembling the Pie Filling
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, half-and-half, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
- Prepare the Pie Shell: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Brush the pie crust with some melted butter and sprinkle ¼ cup of brown sugar on the bottom. This “black bottom” will caramelize during baking, adding a delicious layer of flavor.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the sweet potato filling into the pie shell and bake for about 1½ hours at 350°F until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serving and Storing Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potato Pie
- Serve: The pie is best served chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Storing: You can store the pie in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. For more tips on storing and freezing, refer to this helpful guide on how to store and freeze sweet potato pies.
If you’re looking for more sweet potato-based recipes, check out this delicious Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe, which offers a flavorful alternative to the classic pie. This can be a perfect addition to your holiday menu, complementing the pie with another sweet potato dish.
FAQs About Patti LaBelle’s Sweet Potato Pie
What Makes This Pie Different?
The use of brown sugar in the crust and the rich, smooth filling that emphasizes the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes set Patti LaBelle’s pie apart from others.
Can You Use Butter Instead of Shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, but the crust may be slightly less flaky. If you want to learn more about pie crust options, read about the science behind flaky pie dough.
Can You Freeze This Pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze Patti LaBelle’s pie for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create Patti LaBelle’s famous sweet potato pie at home. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or as a special dessert, this pie will impress your guests with its rich flavor and flaky crust. Be sure to explore related recipes, like the Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe, for even more sweet potato inspiration.