La Comedia Sweet Potato Souffle Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

7 Jul, 2023

Deliciously Fluffy La Comedia Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe: A Perfect Blend of Sweetness and Airiness

La Comedia Sweet Potato Souffle

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: American
Category: Dessert, Side dish
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes (including baking time)
Servings: 7
Calories: 300 calories

About this recipe

La Comedia Sweet Potato Souffle is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a light, fluffy texture. It's a classic recipe that is perfect as a side dish or even as a dessert.

To make this delicious soufflé, you start by baking two large sweet potatoes until they become tender and easy to mash. Once they are cool enough to handle, you peel off the skin and place the soft, orange flesh into a mixing bowl.

Then, you add melted butter, granulated sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the sweet potatoes. Mixing all these ingredients together thoroughly creates a smooth and flavorful base for the soufflé.

To give the soufflé its distinctive texture, you gradually incorporate all-purpose flour into the sweet potato mixture. This helps to bind everything together while adding a touch of lightness. Once the batter is well mixed, you pour it into a greased baking dish, ensuring it's spread out evenly.

Now comes the delicious topping! In a separate bowl, you combine packed light brown sugar and chopped pecans. Sprinkling this mixture over the sweet potato batter adds a wonderful crunch and a delightful nutty flavor to every bite.

The baking process transforms the soufflé into a puffed, golden delight. As it bakes in the oven, the soufflé rises and sets while the pecan topping caramelizes to perfection.

The result is a beautiful dish that will impress your guests with its enticing aroma and lovely presentation.

When you take the Sweet Potato Soufflé out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes to set before serving. This waiting time is torturous as the irresistible smell wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds.

Whether you're a fan of sweet potatoes or simply looking for a delightful dish to please your palate, La Comedia Sweet Potato Soufflé is sure to satisfy. Its creamy, sweet interior paired with the crunchy pecan topping creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

Recipe origin and background

The specific origin or background of the "La Comedia Sweet Potato Soufflé recipe" is unclear. "La Comedia" is a term commonly used in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian to refer to a comedy or a theater play.

The La Comedia Sweet Potato Soufflé recipe is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed by generations. It is said to have originated in the early 1900s at La Comedia Dinner Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin.

The theater's founder, was reportedly inspired to create the dish after visiting a French restaurant in Paris. He was impressed by the light and airy texture of the soufflés, and he wanted to create a similar dessert that would appeal to his American audience.

Meanwhile, it's worth noting that sweet potato soufflé is a popular dish in various cuisines, especially in American cuisine, where sweet potatoes are widely used. The recipe may have been influenced by traditional sweet potato dishes or desserts found in different regions or cultures.

But La Comedia Sweet Potato Soufflé recipe origin shouldn't delay our quest today, let's move.

Why try this La Comedia Sweet Potato Souffle recipe?

Seriously, you should try the La Comedia Sweet Potato Soufflé recipe for several reasons:

Delicious flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and the caramelized pecan topping creates a delightful blend of flavors. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes shines through, making it a crowd-pleasing dish.
Unique texture: The soufflé has a light and airy texture that is achieved through the incorporation of eggs and careful baking. It's a delightful contrast to the creamy interior of the sweet potatoes and the crunchiness of the pecan topping.
Versatility: This recipe can be served as a side dish alongside roasted meats or poultry, adding a touch of sweetness and depth to your meal. It can also be enjoyed as a dessert, offering a satisfying and comforting ending to any meal.
Impressive presentation: The soufflé puffs up beautifully while baking, creating an eye-catching dish that is sure to impress your guests. The golden-brown pecan topping adds an elegant touch, making it visually appealing for any occasion.
Familiar ingredients: The recipe uses commonly available ingredients like sweet potatoes, eggs, butter, sugar, and spices. You don't need any exotic or hard-to-find ingredients, which makes it convenient to prepare.
Crowd-pleaser: Sweet potato soufflé is a classic dish loved by many. Whether you're serving it to your family, friends, or guests, it is likely to be a hit at the dining table. The combination of comforting flavors and textures is sure to satisfy everyone's taste buds.

Remember, trying out new recipes is an exciting culinary adventure, and the La Comedia Sweet Potato Soufflé recipe offers a delightful and delicious experience. So, give it a try and enjoy the wonderful flavors and textures it has to offer.

What does La Comedia Sweet Potato Souffle taste like?

La Comedia Sweet Potato Soufflé offers a delightful taste that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with warm and comforting flavors. The overall taste is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, making it a truly satisfying dish.

The sweet potatoes themselves bring a distinct, earthy sweetness to the soufflé. They have a mellow flavor that is enhanced by the addition of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices add a subtle complexity and a hint of warmth that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.

The pecan topping provides a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that beautifully complements the creamy texture of the soufflé. The caramelized sugars in the topping add a touch of richness and a pleasant sweetness that balances the overall taste profile.

When you take a bite, you'll experience the smooth and airy texture of the soufflé, which melts in your mouth. The flavors of sweet potatoes, spices, and the nutty pecan topping come together harmoniously, creating a well-rounded taste experience that is both comforting and indulgent.

The taste of La Comedia Sweet Potato Soufflé is basically a combination of sweetness, warmth, and nuttiness. It's a delightful balance of flavors that will please your palate and leave you craving for more.

What is in La Comedia Sweet Potato Souffle?

Sweet Potatoes: Large sweet potatoes are the star ingredient of this dish. They have a naturally sweet flavor and a creamy texture when cooked, adding depth and richness to the soufflé.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is used to enhance the richness and moisture of the soufflé. It adds a smooth and velvety texture to the final dish.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the soufflé and enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Milk: Milk is added to create a creamy consistency and provide moisture to the soufflé mixture.
Eggs: The eggs play a crucial role in creating the light and airy texture of the soufflé. They provide structure and help the soufflé rise during baking.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a subtle aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the sweet potato soufflé.
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon brings warmth and a comforting flavor to the soufflé. It complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
Ground Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a hint of earthiness and warmth to the dish. It pairs well with the sweet flavors of the sweet potatoes.
Salt: A small amount of salt is used to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour helps to bind the ingredients together and gives structure to the soufflé.
Light Brown Sugar: This is used in the pecan topping to provide a caramelized sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
Chopped Pecans: Pecans are sprinkled on top of the soufflé to create a delicious and crunchy nutty topping.
Whipped Cream: You can serve the sweet potato soufflé with a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of creaminess and sweetness.

Equipment required for this recipe

Baking Dish: A 9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe. It should be oven-safe and greased to prevent sticking. If you don't have a baking dish, you can use a similarly sized oven-safe dish or even individual ramekins.
Mixing Bowl: You'll need a large mixing bowl to combine the sweet potato mixture and other ingredients. A glass or stainless steel bowl works well. If you don't have a mixing bowl, you can use a large saucepan or any other suitable container for mixing.
Fork or Potato Masher: A fork or potato masher is needed to mash the cooked sweet potatoes into a smooth consistency. Alternatively, you can use a food processor or a blender for this step.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important for the success of the recipe. You'll need measuring cups for dry ingredients (such as sugar and flour) and measuring spoons for smaller quantities (such as spices and vanilla extract). If you don't have measuring cups or spoons, you can estimate the quantities using standard kitchen utensils.
Oven: This recipe requires baking, so you'll need an oven to cook the soufflé. Make sure your oven is preheated to the specified temperature before placing the dish inside.
Whisk or Mixing Spoon: A whisk or mixing spoon is used to combine the ingredients in the mixing bowl. It helps in creating a smooth and well-mixed sweet potato mixture.

How to make La Comedia Sweet Potato Souffle

Discover the heavenly delight of La Comedia Sweet Potato Soufflé. This easy-to-follow recipe creates a fluffy and sweet masterpiece. Try it now!

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish.
Wash the sweet potatoes and pierce them with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until they are tender. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and place the flesh in a large mixing bowl. Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
In the bowl with the mashed sweet potatoes, add melted butter, granulated sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Gradually add the flour to the sweet potato mixture, stirring until it is fully incorporated.
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and chopped pecans. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the soufflé is set and the pecan topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Sweet Potato Soufflé!

How to serve La Comedia Sweet Potato Souffle

Cooling and Setting: Once the sweet potato soufflé is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This will help the soufflé to set and firm up slightly.
Presentation: To serve, you have a few options for presentation. You can either serve it directly from the baking dish or, for a more elegant touch, you can carefully transfer individual portions to serving plates.
Pecan Topping: The pecan topping adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the soufflé. Make sure to keep the topping intact when serving. If any pieces have fallen off during baking or transferring, you can sprinkle them on top of each portion.
Whipped Cream (Optional): If desired, you can serve the sweet potato soufflé with a dollop of whipped cream on top. The whipped cream adds a creamy and slightly sweet element that pairs well with the flavors of the soufflé. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar until it reaches a fluffy consistency.
Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of visual appeal, you can garnish the plated soufflé with a dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This adds a finishing touch and enhances the overall presentation.
Serve and Enjoy: Place the plated sweet potato soufflé on the table and serve it to your guests while it's still warm. The soufflé is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when it's at its lightest and fluffiest. Encourage your guests to dig in and savor the delicious flavors and textures.

Remember to handle the soufflé with care as it can be delicate and prone to collapsing if handled roughly. Serve it promptly to ensure it retains its height and airy texture.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 624 reviews.

Recipe Tags: La Comedia Sweet Potato Souffle, La Comedia Sweet Potato Souffle Recipe, Recipe, Top rated

What to serve La Comedia Sweet Potato Souffle with

La Comedia Sweet Potato Soufflé pairs well with a variety of dishes, whether you choose to serve it as a side dish or as a dessert. Here are a few suggestions:

Roasted Turkey or Chicken: The sweet and savory flavors of the sweet potato soufflé complement roasted turkey or chicken beautifully. It can be served as a side dish alongside the main protein, adding a touch of sweetness and depth to the meal.
Grilled or Roasted Pork: The richness of grilled or roasted pork pairs nicely with the sweet potato soufflé. Whether it's a pork chop, tenderloin, or roast, the combination of flavors creates a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Baked Ham: The combination of the sweet potato soufflé and a succulent baked ham is a classic and delicious pairing. The savory ham contrasts well with the sweet and creamy soufflé, creating a balance of flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve the sweet potato soufflé alongside a platter of roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or butternut squash. The earthy flavors of the roasted vegetables complement the sweetness of the soufflé, creating a wholesome and flavorful meal.
Green Salad: If you prefer a lighter option, serve the sweet potato soufflé with a fresh green salad. The crisp and refreshing flavors of the salad provide a nice contrast to the rich and creamy soufflé.
Cranberry Sauce: For a traditional holiday-inspired meal, serve the sweet potato soufflé with a side of cranberry sauce. The tartness of the cranberry sauce complements the sweetness of the soufflé and adds a burst of flavor.
Vanilla Ice Cream (as dessert): If you're serving the sweet potato soufflé as a dessert, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top can elevate the experience. The cold and creamy ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm soufflé, creating a delightful dessert combination.

My recommendations and tips

Cook the sweet potatoes until tender: To ensure a smooth and creamy texture in your soufflé, make sure to cook the sweet potatoes until they are fully tender. You can either boil or bake them until they are easily pierced with a fork. This will ensure they mash easily and incorporate well into the soufflé mixture.
Mash the sweet potatoes thoroughly: When mashing the cooked sweet potatoes, aim for a smooth and lump-free consistency. Use a fork, potato masher, or even a food processor or blender to achieve the desired texture. Smooth sweet potatoes will help create a silky and uniform soufflé.
Incorporate the egg whites carefully: When adding the whipped egg whites to the sweet potato mixture, do so gently and with a folding motion. This will help maintain the airiness of the egg whites and preserve the light texture of the soufflé. Overmixing or stirring vigorously can cause the soufflé to deflate.
Preheat the oven properly: Preheating the oven is crucial for achieving the desired rise and structure in your soufflé. Make sure to preheat your oven to the specified temperature in the recipe before placing the soufflé inside.
Avoid opening the oven door while baking: Once the soufflé is in the oven, try to resist the temptation to open the oven door too often. Rapid temperature changes can cause the soufflé to deflate or collapse. Peek through the oven window if possible to check the progress instead.
Serve immediately: Soufflés are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they are still light and puffy. Aim to serve the sweet potato soufflé immediately or shortly after it comes out of the oven to fully enjoy its airy texture.
Experiment with toppings and garnishes: While the recipe includes a pecan topping, feel free to get creative with your own variations. You can try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar on top, or even drizzle it with a caramel or maple syrup for extra sweetness and flavor.
Practice patience and confidence: Soufflés can be a bit intimidating, but don't worry! Follow the recipe instructions carefully, trust the process, and have confidence in your abilities. With a little practice, you'll become more comfortable making soufflés and achieve fantastic results.

Potential ingredients substitutes

Sweet potatoes: If you can't find sweet potatoes or prefer a different type of potato, you can use yams, butternut squash, or pumpkin as a substitute. These vegetables have a similar texture and sweetness that will work well in the recipe.
Brown sugar: While brown sugar adds a delicious caramel flavor to the soufflé, you can use granulated sugar or coconut sugar instead. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to your liking or use a sugar substitute if you prefer.
Butter: If you are looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the soufflé may vary slightly with the substitution.
All-purpose flour: If you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute. Rice flour, almond flour, or oat flour can also work as a gluten-free option.
Pecans: The pecan topping adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the soufflé, but if you are allergic or don't like pecans, you can substitute them with other nuts such as walnuts or almonds. You can also omit the nuts altogether and sprinkle the top with cinnamon or powdered sugar instead.

What more?

Storage: Sweet potato soufflé is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the soufflé may lose some of its airy texture upon reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the sweet potato soufflé, place individual portions in the oven at a low temperature (around 325°F or 160°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave using short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Freezing: Soufflés generally don't freeze well due to their delicate structure. The freezing and thawing process can cause them to lose their texture and become watery. It is best to enjoy the sweet potato soufflé fresh or refrigerate any leftovers for a short period.
Adjusting sweetness: The recipe provides a balanced level of sweetness, but you can adjust it according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter soufflé, you can increase the amount of sugar or add a touch of honey or maple syrup. Similarly, if you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar.
Serving size: The recipe indicates the number of servings, but keep in mind that the size of the servings can vary based on personal preference. Adjust the portion sizes accordingly to accommodate the number of guests you are serving.
Presentation variations: While the recipe provides a traditional approach to serving the sweet potato soufflé, feel free to get creative with presentation. You can experiment with individual ramekins, garnishes, or even serving it with a side sauce or compote to add extra flavors and visual appeal.

Remarks

Indulge in the Irresistible Delights of La Comedia Sweet Potato Soufflé: A Crowd-Pleasing Dish that Combines Sweet Potatoes and Fluffy Perfection. Try this Mouthwatering Recipe Today and Delight Your Taste Buds!