We’ve fallen head over heels for the Court of Two Sisters sweet potatoes recipe, a gem from New Orleans’ historic French Quarter eatery. This dish captures the essence of Southern comfort with its creamy texture and bold Creole spices, making it a must-try for anyone craving authentic flavors.
It’s no wonder this recipe has charmed us for years—it’s simple yet sophisticated, perfect for family dinners or festive occasions. We’re thrilled to guide you through recreating this beloved side that brings a taste of the Big Easy right to your table.
Ingredients
To bring the authentic flavors of our Court of Two Sisters Sweet Potatoes recipe to life—with its creamy texture and bold Creole spices—we start by assembling these key ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’re used, including any necessary prep details for precision and ease.
- 4 large sweet potatoes: Wash and scrub thoroughly, then peel and cube into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, to create a rich, velvety base that enhances the dish’s comforting warmth.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Packed, for a caramelized sweetness that balances the Creole spices and evokes New Orleans’ sophisticated flair.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Freshly ground if possible, to add aromatic depth and tie into the recipe’s Southern heritage.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a subtle kick of heat, capturing the bold essence of Creole cuisine that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Grated fresh for optimal flavor, contributing to the creamy, spiced profile that defines this Court of Two Sisters favorite.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Chilled, to achieve the signature silky consistency that makes this a quintessential comfort food.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans: Toasted lightly in a dry skillet, for added crunch and nutty contrast in the final presentation.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, ensuring the spices harmonize and elevate the overall sensory experience of this New Orleans classic.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our key ingredients for the Court of Two Sisters Sweet Potatoes Recipe, we’ll walk you through the preparation and cooking process step by step. Our goal is to create a dish with that signature creamy texture and bold Creole spice blend that captures the essence of New Orleans.
Prep
Before we start cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything blends seamlessly for that authentic Southern comfort.
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing 4 large sweet potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt, then peel them using a vegetable peeler for smooth results.
- Cube the sweet potatoes: Cut the peeled sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes to promote even cooking and a fluffy texture when done.
- Measure and mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, stirring them together for a balanced Creole spice blend that adds warmth and a subtle kick.
- Prepare the pecans and cream: Roughly chop 1/2 cup pecans into small pieces for a crunchy topping, and measure out 1/2 cup heavy cream to enhance the creamy consistency we love in this recipe.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, let’s move on to cooking, where the flavors intensify and the aromas fill the kitchen for an irresistible finish.
- Boil the sweet potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender, allowing their natural sweetness to emerge.
- Drain and mash: Drain the sweet potatoes in a colander, then return them to the pot. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy, incorporating the butter for a rich, velvety base that evokes the dish’s comforting warmth.
- Incorporate flavors: Stir in the Creole spice mixture from prep, along with the heavy cream, until fully combined. This step infuses the mash with bold, aromatic notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne for that signature Court of Two Sisters depth.
- Bake for perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mashed mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly on top, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, releasing an enticing aroma that signals it’s ready to serve.
Equipment Needed
To seamlessly transition from our detailed ingredients and step-by-step instructions, we gather the essential tools that make preparing the Court of Two Sisters Sweet Potatoes Recipe straightforward and efficient. Having the right equipment ensures precision in every stage, from prepping to baking, allowing us to capture that authentic New Orleans flavor with confidence.
Below, we list the key equipment you’ll need, organized by the recipe’s phases for easy reference. We’ve bolded main keywords and used italics for important terms to highlight their significance.
- Vegetable peeler: Essential for efficiently peeling the large sweet potatoes, ensuring a smooth texture without wasting any of the nutrient-rich flesh.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: We rely on these for safely washing, peeling, and cubing the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces, which promotes even cooking.
- Large mixing bowl: Used to combine the dry ingredients like ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and ground nutmeg into a cohesive Creole spice blend.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for measuring items such as brown sugar, heavy cream, and seasonings, guaranteeing the perfect balance of flavors in our dish.
- Large pot: Ideal for boiling the cubed sweet potatoes until tender, helping us achieve that creamy consistency.
- Potato masher or fork: Crucial for mashing the boiled sweet potatoes with unsalted butter, creating the smooth base before incorporating the spice mixture.
- Baking dish (e.g., 9×13 inch): Where we bake the mashed sweet potatoes topped with chopped pecans, resulting in a golden, bubbly finish.
- Oven: A standard kitchen staple for baking the dish to perfection, enhancing the comforting warmth with even heat distribution.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Handy for stirring in the heavy cream and mixing everything thoroughly during preparation.
By using this equipment, we ensure our Court of Two Sisters Sweet Potatoes Recipe comes together effortlessly, maintaining the dish’s rich, bold Creole profile.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring this timeless Court of Two Sisters sweet potatoes recipe and how it brings New Orleans’ warmth to your table. It’s more than a dish—it’s a way to create lasting memories with family and friends.
Our advice is to tweak it to your taste while keeping its Creole spirit alive. You’ll find it’s a staple we’ll return to again and again for its comforting flavors and ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Court of Two Sisters Sweet Potatoes Recipe?
This recipe features creamy mashed sweet potatoes infused with bold Creole spices, inspired by the historic Court of Two Sisters restaurant in New Orleans. It’s a simple yet sophisticated Southern comfort food, perfect for family dinners or special occasions, blending ingredients like sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and spices for rich, warm flavors.
What ingredients are needed for the Court of Two Sisters Sweet Potatoes Recipe?
You’ll need large sweet potatoes, unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ground nutmeg, heavy cream, chopped pecans, and basic seasonings. Each ingredient enhances the dish’s creamy texture and bold Creole flavors. Prepare them precisely by washing, peeling, and measuring accurately for the best results.
How do I prepare the Court of Two Sisters Sweet Potatoes?
Start by washing, peeling, and cubing the sweet potatoes. Boil until tender, then mash with butter. Mix in a Creole spice blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, and nutmeg, and stir in heavy cream. Top with chopped pecans and bake until golden and bubbly. The process takes about 45-60 minutes total.
What equipment is required for this sweet potatoes recipe?
Essential tools include a vegetable peeler, cutting board and sharp knife for prep, a large pot for boiling, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, potato masher or fork, baking dish, oven, and a spatula. These items ensure easy preparation and help achieve the creamy texture and rich flavors of the dish.
Is the Court of Two Sisters Sweet Potatoes Recipe beginner-friendly?
Yes, it’s ideal for beginners. The recipe involves straightforward steps like boiling, mashing, and baking, with clear instructions and common ingredients. With basic kitchen skills and the listed equipment, you can recreate this authentic New Orleans dish confidently in under an hour.
Can I substitute ingredients in this sweet potatoes recipe?
You can make minor substitutions, like using regular butter if unsalted isn’t available, or swapping pecans for walnuts for the topping. However, key flavors from cinnamon, cayenne, and nutmeg are essential for the authentic Creole taste. Always test changes to maintain the dish’s creamy texture and warmth.
How long does it take to make the Court of Two Sisters Sweet Potatoes?
Prep time is about 15-20 minutes, and cooking takes 30-40 minutes, for a total of 45-60 minutes. This makes it quick for weeknight meals while delivering sophisticated flavors, serving 4-6 people depending on portion size.