Celebrate National Pi Day with a Healthy Slice of Pie
Try this healthy sweet potato pie recipe
Try this healthy sweet potato pie recipe
National Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 (3/14). The date matches the first three digits of the mathematical constant pi.: 3.14. Celebrate the world-famous math symbol pi with a slice of Southern sweet potato pie – the healthy way. Check out our recipe below.
“Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also pack a nutritional punch,” says Harkaranveer “Harry” Ratanpal, DO, a family medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo.
Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are relatively low in calories and fat while being rich in fiber, which helps keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Despite their sweet taste, sweet potatoes have a relatively low glycemic index, meaning they cause a slower and steadier increase in blood sugar levels compared to other carbohydrate -rich foods. “This makes it suitable for people who are trying to manage their blood sugar levels,” Dr. Ratanpal says.
Sweet potatoes can be enjoyed in various ways to reap their nutritional benefits.
Our Southern sweet potato pie recipe is made with less sugar and eggs than traditional sweet potato pie. This heart-healthy, easy recipe is light, creamy and delicious.
Ingredients
* 3 Tbsp margarine
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1/4 tsp salt
* 1 large egg yolk
* 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
* 1 tsp grated lemon zest plus additional for garnish
* 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
* 3 large sweet potatoes (1 1/2 lbs) cooked, peeled and mashed
* 1 cup fat free evaporated milk
* 3 large egg whites
* 1 prepared 9- inch pie shell unbaked
* 1/4 cup fat free whipped topping optional
Preparation
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat together the margarine, sugar and salt. Add the egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest and cinnamon; mix well. Stir in the sweet potatoes and milk and mix to combine well.
With a hand mixer, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold half of the egg whites into the sweet potato mixture until combined. Fold in the remaining half of the egg whites until combined. Pour the mixture into the pie shell.
Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool before serving. Pie can be made one day in advance and kept covered and chilled. Serve topped with a dollop of whipped topping and lemon zest for garnish, if desired.
Nutrition facts
Serving size: 1 slice (6 servings per pie)
Per serving: Calories: 126
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 21mg
Sodium: 161mg
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g