Dulce de Batata--Sweet Potato Paste

5 cups pureed sweet potato (either homemade or canned)

2 cups water

1/4 cup agar agar (a thickening agent, available at Whole Foods)

4 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Put the sweet potato puree in a non-reactive pot with the water, and heat over medium high heat, stirring and scraping the bottom to evenly distribute the heat and prevent burning.  When the mixture raises to a boil, add in the sugar and the agar agar, stirring until totally incorporated and dissolved.  Lower heat and keep at a simmer.  Simmer until the water has absorbed, and the mixture has thickened, stirring frequently, about an hour or so.

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.  Spread the mixture into a large rectangular casserole dish (lasagne pan or Pyrex pan) and let cool completely.  After cooling at room temperature, remove to the refrigerator.  Slice to serve. 


Tags:  water agar sugar