Meringue-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

November 17, 2016

 

Servings:  10

Serving size: about 1/2 cup

Per serving: 196 calories; 7 g fat(1 g sat); 3 g fiber; 29 g carbohydrates; 5 g protein; 13 mcg folate; 41 mg cholesterol; 18 g sugars; 10 g added sugars; 14068 IU vitamin A; 14 mg vitamin C; 103 mg calcium; 1 mg iron; 194 mg sodium; 361 mg potassium 

Nutrition Bonus:  Vitamin A (281% daily value), Vitamin C (23% dv) 

Carbohydrate Servings: 2

Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 other carbohydrate, 1 fat

 

Ingredients:

Sweet Potato Casserole:

  • 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 cup low-fat evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 8-ounce can of crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Meringue Topping:

  • 2 large pasteurized egg whites, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Preparation:

  • Place sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a food processor. Process until smooth.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch-square (or similar 2-quart) broiler-safe baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Whisk whole eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, oil, evaporated milk, vanilla and salt in a large bowl until smooth. Add the sweet potato; whisk until smooth. Stir in pineapple and its juice. Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with pecans.
  • Bake the casserole until heated through and the edges are bubbling, 35 to 45 minutes. Set aside while you make the topping.
  • To prepare meringue topping: Position rack in top third of oven; preheat broiler. Beat egg whites in a medium bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until soft peaks form. Beat in granulated sugar in a slow, steady stream. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  • Spoon the meringue into a gallon-size sealable bag. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Cut a 1/2-inch hole in one corner. Pipe the meringue onto the casserole, making marshmallow-size dots. (Alternatively, use a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch tip or spread the meringue over the casserole as if you were frosting a cake.) Broil until lightly browned, watching carefully to prevent burning, 30 to 90 seconds.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 4; cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat, covered, in the microwave on High, before finishing with Steps 5-6.

Tips:

  • To toast chopped nuts, place in a small dry skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes
  • A broiler-safe baking dish is one made of metal or earthenware. Glass baking dishes, such as Pyrex, may shatter under the broiler.
  • To make soft peaks, beat egg whites with an electric hand mixer until they are stiff, but still soft enough to curl over when beaters are turned upside down.