Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot for boiling sweet potatoes
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or potato masher
- Cookie scoop or spoon for shaping the balls
- Deep fryer or frying pan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large pot, boil the sweet potatoes until they are soft and tender. Drain and mash them using a hand mixer or potato masher.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped pecans. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
3. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, shape the mixture into small balls.
4. In another mixing bowl, beat the egg. Dip each ball into the beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the sweet potato balls until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Remove the sweet potato balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Serve the sweet potato balls warm.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature for frying: 350°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 20 sweet potato balls.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 80
Total fat: 3g
Saturated fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total carbohydrate: 12g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 4g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds.
- You can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Instead of brown sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup.
Variations:
- You can add raisins or dried cranberries to the mixture for a sweeter taste.
- You can add grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture for a savory taste.
- You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the sweet potatoes are cooked until they are soft and tender to make it easier to mash them.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to shape the balls evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan or deep fryer to ensure that the sweet potato balls cook evenly.
- Serve the sweet potato balls immediately to enjoy them at their best.
Storage Instructions:
You can store the sweet potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the sweet potato balls, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the balls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas and Garnishes:
- Serve the sweet potato balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
Pairings and Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve the sweet potato balls as an appetizer or snack.
- Pair with a dipping sauce such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sweet potato balls are falling apart while frying, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind the ingredients together.
- If the sweet potato balls are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water to the mixture to help moisten it.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the sweet potatoes are cooked thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
- Use a thermometer to ensure that the oil temperature is at 350°F to avoid any risk of burns or fires.
Food History and Flavor Profiles:
- Sweet potatoes are a staple food in many cultures around the world, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this recipe makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the sweet potato balls as an appetizer or snack at a party or gathering.
- Serve as a side dish for Thanksgiving or other holiday meals.
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