History and origin of the dish
Sweet potatoes covered with marshmallows are a traditional dish with its roots in the cuisine of the southern United States. This sweet side dish made with sweet potatoes is especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Its combination of sweet and spicy flavors reflects the influence of native ingredients and the region's culinary traditions.
In Latin America, this dish does not have a specific name, but sweet potatoes are common ingredients in many recipes, although they are rarely combined with marshmallows. In countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Peru, sweet potatoes are mainly consumed in savory dishes or simple sweet preparations, while the use of marshmallows is more frequent in American-style dessert preparations.
In some regions of Latin America, sweet potatoes are also known as 'camotes', a word of Nahuatl origin, reflecting the historical and cultural importance of this tuber in the diet of indigenous communities.