Camotes En Piloncillo, or Sweet Potatoes In Cane Syrup, hold a special place in Mexican Christmas traditions. This delightful dish captures the essence of the holiday season, blending the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the rich flavors of piloncillo – a traditional unrefined sugar made from sugarcane. The combination creates a festive treat that’s both comforting and full of warmth, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays.
**Ingredients:**
– 3 large sweet potatoes
– 2 cups grated piloncillo (or dark brown sugar as an alternative)
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 cup water
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a baking dish with a little oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
3. Place the sweet potato cubes in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer for even roasting.
4. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the grated piloncillo (or dark brown sugar), water, cinnamon stick, orange slices, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the piloncillo or sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup has thickened slightly, creating a fragrant caramel-like sauce.
5. Once the syrup has thickened, carefully pour it over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish, making sure to coat the cubes evenly.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Halfway through the cooking time, remove the foil to allow the sweet potatoes to caramelize and develop a golden crust.
8. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked through and have absorbed the flavors of the piloncillo syrup, remove the dish from the oven. Discard the cinnamon stick and orange slices.
9. Serve the Camotes En Piloncillo warm, spooning extra syrup from the baking dish over the top for a luscious finish. The aromatic blend of sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and citrus will enchant your taste buds and evoke the spirit of a Mexican Christmas celebration.
There you have it – a delightful recipe for Camotes En Piloncillo that promises to add a touch of tradition and sweetness to your holiday festivities. Enjoy the warm flavors and cozy comforts of this Mexican Christmas baking delight with your family and friends this season. Happy baking!
