Suspiro Limeño

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F and position a rack in the middle; wait until the indicator light tells you it is fully heated, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Poke each sweet potato all over with a fork, then place directly on the oven rack with a baking sheet on the rack below to catch drips.

Step 3

Roast for 30–35 minutes until a knife slides through the center with no resistance, like piercing soft butter.

Step 4

Remove the potatoes from the oven and let sit at room temperature until cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise and scoop the soft flesh into a large bowl, leaving the skin behind.

Step 6

Add 3 tablespoons of butter and mash with a fork until no lumps remain and the texture is smooth like peanut butter.

Step 7

Pour in 0.5 cup of sweetened condensed milk and stir with a wooden spoon until fully combined and glossy.

Step 8

Add 1 egg yolk and stir until no streaks of yellow remain and the mixture is uniform throughout.

Step 9

Divide the sweet potato mixture evenly among 4 small individual baking dishes (ramekins) or a single 8-inch baking dish, spreading it flat on the bottom.

Step 10

Place 3 egg whites and 0.125 teaspoon of salt in a very clean, dry mixing bowl.

Step 11

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks—when you lift the beaters, the peaks should flop over instead of standing upright.

Step 12

Gradually add 0.5 cup of sugar (about 1 tablespoon at a time), beating continuously, until stiff, glossy peaks form and the mixture looks like shiny white clouds.

Step 13

Add 0.5 teaspoon of vanilla extract and whisk for 10 more seconds until evenly mixed throughout.

Step 14

Spoon the meringue on top of the sweet potato layer, dividing it evenly and mounding it slightly in the center.

Step 15

Sprinkle the remaining 0.25 cup of sugar evenly over the top of the meringue, covering the entire surface.

Step 16

Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until the meringue turns light golden brown on the peaks and the sugar begins to caramelize, like warm honey.

Step 17

Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.