Filipino-Style Sweet Potato Dessert (Minatamis na Kamote)

As a child, Edwin's mom told him, "If you want to eat, you should cook it yourself." And that's exactly what he's been doing ever since.

Simmered Sweet Potatoes in Syrup

This was one of my favorite childhood desserts while growing up in the Philippines. Kamote (also spelled camote), or sweet potato in English, is the most common type of root vegetable found in the Philippines. It is traditionally cooked and used in a variety of local dishes and desserts. Since this root vegetable is so abundant, it's no surprise that so many local dishes make use of it.

Minatamis (also known as matamis) is the Filipino word for sweetened. So this dessert is made by cooking the kamote in sugar and water. It's usually served as a dessert but can also be eaten as a snack.

Cook Time

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 2-3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. In a pot, combine all of the ingredients except for the sweet potatoes.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat; then lower the heat to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a syrup.
3. Add the sweet potatoes and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until tender. Serve hot.

Variations

• Use white sugar instead of brown sugar.
• Add flavorings such as vanilla.
• Add 1/4 cup orange juice to the syrup if desired.
• Instead of sweet potatoes, you can substitute Filipino saba plantains.
• Add milk (fresh or canned evaporated) before serving.
• Serve cold by refrigerating overnight.