Pen Patat is a beloved Haitian dessert made from white sweet potatoes, bananas, coconut milk, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a must-have dish during Easter celebrations in Haiti, symbolizing family gatherings and festive meals. This pudding is baked until golden brown and can be served warm or chilled, offering a comforting and flavorful treat.
Quick Steps to Make Pen Patat:
- Grate Sweet Potatoes: Peel and grate white sweet potatoes (or orange ones if unavailable).
- Mix Ingredients: Combine grated sweet potatoes with mashed banana, coconut milk, evaporated milk, spices, and raisins.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased dish, sprinkle with sugar, and bake at 375°F for 90 minutes.
This dessert is easy to personalize - add shredded coconut, swap raisins for dates, or adjust spices to taste. Whether warm or cold, Pen Patat is a delicious way to enjoy a piece of Haitian culinary heritage during Easter or any special occasion.
Ingredients and Tools Needed
Ingredients for Pen Patat
Pen Patat relies on simple, traditional ingredients to create a classic Easter dessert. Here's what you'll need to prepare this dish for 8–10 people:
Main Ingredients:
- 2.5 lbs white sweet potatoes (boniatos are ideal, but orange sweet potatoes are a good substitute)
- 1 large ripe banana, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 1.5 cups coconut milk
- 3.5 cups water (28 oz)
Spices and Flavorings:
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cloves, crushed
- 1 medium lemon (zest only)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 stick butter (4 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 tbsp brown sugar for sprinkling on top
Boniatos are preferred for their dense texture and mild sweetness, which give Pen Patat its authentic taste. If you can’t find boniatos, orange sweet potatoes are a practical alternative, though they will alter the flavor slightly.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to make sure you have the right tools for the job.
Kitchen Tools You'll Need
Making Pen Patat involves some hands-on preparation, but the necessary tools are likely already in your kitchen. The key is having equipment to handle tasks like grating and mixing.
Essential Tools:
- Box grater or food processor with a grating attachment for the sweet potatoes
- 4-quart mixing bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish
- Sharp knife for peeling and cutting
- Vegetable peeler
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon for mixing
Additional Helpful Tools:
- Thick-bottomed pot for pre-cooking the sweet potatoes, if desired
- Blender for creating a smoother consistency
- Fine-mesh grater for zesting the lemon and grating fresh ginger
- Kitchen towel for squeezing excess moisture out of the grated sweet potatoes
Using a box grater by hand preserves the traditional coarse texture of Pen Patat, but if you’re short on time, a food processor can speed things up.
Where to Find Ingredients
Most of the ingredients for Pen Patat are easy to find at your local grocery store, though boniatos might require a bit of searching.
Large grocery chains and ethnic markets, especially those in areas with Caribbean communities, are great places to look. Caribbean and Latin American markets often carry boniatos and other specialty items essential for traditional recipes. If you live in cities like Miami, New York, Boston, or parts of New Jersey, you’ll likely have an easier time finding everything you need.
If local stores don’t have boniatos, online retailers are a convenient option. Websites specializing in Caribbean groceries or larger platforms like Amazon often stock these ingredients. Just keep in mind that shipping might take a little extra time, so plan ahead. Additionally, many grocery stores can special-order items like boniatos if you ask, especially during the Easter season when demand tends to increase.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing and Grating Sweet Potatoes
Start by thoroughly washing the sweet potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Use a vegetable peeler to remove all the skin. Once peeled, grate the sweet potatoes into medium-sized shreds using a box grater for a coarse texture. If you prefer using a food processor, pulse in short bursts to avoid turning the potatoes into a paste.
After grating, mash a ripe banana directly into the sweet potato shreds. Use a fork or the back of a spoon to break it down - it should mix easily, adding natural sweetness and acting as a binder for the ingredients.
If the grated sweet potatoes feel too wet, gently squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. While optional, this step helps prevent the pudding from becoming overly watery.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a 4-quart mixing bowl, start with the liquid ingredients. Pour in the coconut milk, evaporated milk, and water, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the base for evenly distributing flavors.
Next, stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and spices - ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, fresh ginger, salt, crushed cloves, and lemon zest. Mix until the sugar has dissolved and the spices are evenly blended.
Now, fold in the grated sweet potato and mashed banana mixture along with the raisins. Use a wooden spoon to ensure everything is well coated in the spiced milk mixture, forming a thick, cohesive batter.
For an extra step, you can cook the mixture in a thick-bottomed pot over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 45 minutes until it thickens and starts pulling away from the sides of the pot. Once ready, transfer the thickened batter to your prepared baking dish.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats up, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish, leaving about one-quarter of the dish empty to allow for expansion as it bakes. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown sugar on top for a caramelized finish.
Bake for 90 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown. If you pre-cooked the mixture, reduce the baking time to 60–75 minutes. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 20–30 minutes of baking.
Recipe Variations
While traditional Pen Patat is delightful as is, you can add your own personal touch to make it even more special:
- For a tropical twist, mix in 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut for added flavor without overpowering the sweet potato base.
- Swap out the raisins for chopped dates or dried cranberries, or increase the raisins to a full cup for extra sweetness and texture.
- Make it richer by substituting some evaporated milk with heavy cream or adding an extra tablespoon of butter for a more indulgent dessert - perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Experiment with spices by adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice, or increase the ginger for a bolder, warming flavor. For an adult flair, replace vanilla extract with a tablespoon of rum extract.
- If you prefer a smoother pudding, blend half of the grated sweet potato mixture before combining it with the rest. This creates a lovely contrast between smooth and chunky textures in the final dish.
These tweaks allow you to make the recipe your own, whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a festive occasion.
Serving and Storage
How to Serve Pen Patat
Pen Patat can be enjoyed either warm or cold, depending on your preference. When served warm, it has a soft, custard-like consistency, while chilling it gives a firmer texture. Traditionally served during Easter, it’s versatile enough to double as a breakfast treat or a dessert.
To elevate the flavor, consider topping it with whipped cream, a drizzle of rum syrup, or a dollop of coconut yogurt. These additions complement the dessert beautifully. If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store them properly.
Storage and Reheating
To keep Pen Patat fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of serving. This helps preserve its quality and prevents it from picking up unwanted fridge odors.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently until warm, or savor it cold. Letting it sit overnight can actually enhance the flavors, making it even more delicious the next day.
sbb-itb-80c33ff
Pen Patat (Sweet Potato Bread Pudding) - Episode 19 - ❤ Love For Haitian Food
More Haitian Recipes with HaitianFoods.org
Once you've savored the delightful Pen Patat, why not dive deeper into the world of Haitian cuisine? HaitianFoods.org is your go-to resource for a variety of traditional recipes that can elevate your festive menu.
The site offers step-by-step guides for iconic Haitian dishes beyond desserts. You can learn to make Haitian Pate Kode, golden pastries stuffed with seasoned meat or vegetables; Haitian Epis, the flavorful spice blend that forms the backbone of many Haitian meals; and Makawoni au Graten, a rich, cheesy twist on macaroni that’s pure comfort food [3]. With these approachable recipes, you’ll feel confident experimenting in the kitchen.
HaitianFoods.org also helps you connect with Haitian culinary culture on a broader scale. Their restaurant directory highlights authentic Haitian dining spots across the globe, making it easier to find traditional dishes like Pen Patat prepared by skilled chefs. This platform not only supports restaurant owners but also ensures that time-honored cooking methods and recipes are celebrated and preserved [4].
What makes HaitianFoods.org truly special is its ability to blend recipes with cultural storytelling. Each dish comes with its own history and traditions, giving you a deeper understanding of why meals like Pen Patat are so beloved during celebrations and family gatherings. The more you explore, the richer your appreciation of Haitian cuisine will become.
Conclusion
Making Pen Patat brings the warmth of Haitian Easter traditions right into your kitchen. This beloved pudding is a centerpiece of Easter family gatherings in Haiti, symbolizing both celebration and togetherness [6].
What makes this recipe so special is its straightforward approach and room for creativity. With a handful of traditional ingredients, you can recreate the flavors of Haiti in just a few simple steps [2]. Feel free to tweak the spices to suit your taste - this recipe respects tradition while allowing for your personal touch.
Easter in Haiti is a time to honor faith and family, blending cherished customs with moments of connection [5][1]. By serving Pen Patat at your own celebration, you’re embracing a piece of this rich heritage.
Want to dive deeper into Haitian culture through its cuisine? Check out HaitianFoods.org for more recipes and insights. From desserts to savory dishes, the site is packed with resources to help you explore and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Haiti.
FAQs
Can I use alternative ingredients if I can’t find everything for Pen Patat?
If you're having trouble finding Haitian sweet potatoes for Pen Patat, don't worry - you can swap them out with other ingredients like yams, butternut squash, carrots, or parsnips. While these substitutes might bring slight differences in flavor and texture, they'll still work nicely in the recipe.
Just make sure to choose root vegetables with a naturally sweet taste to keep the dessert's classic flavor intact.
How can I achieve the perfect texture when making Haitian Pen Patat?
To achieve the perfect texture for Haitian Pen Patat, start by using finely grated sweet potatoes if you're aiming for a smooth, pudding-like consistency. Prefer a chunkier bite? Leave the sweet potatoes a bit less processed for a heartier feel. When cooking, keep the heat low and stir often - this helps prevent sticking and ensures everything cooks evenly. Want to take the flavor up a notch? Try soaking raisins in rum before mixing them into the dish for extra moisture and a rich, bold taste.
How can I include Pen Patat in celebrations beyond Easter?
Pen Patat, a mouthwatering Haitian sweet potato pudding, is a dish that fits right in with holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Whether you serve it as a dessert or a sweet side dish, it brings a cozy, festive flavor to the table.
This cherished recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations, offering a taste of Haitian tradition that’s sure to please everyone. With its rich, spiced sweetness, it pairs beautifully with all kinds of holiday spreads.
