Lesotho-style Sweet Potato Fritters

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have transformed the original Jersey Wonders into Lesotho-style Sweet Potato Fritters. While the original dish from New Jersey is typically a sweet dessert, we have incorporated the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Lesotho cuisine. By using sweet potatoes as the main ingredient and adding traditional Lesotho spices, we have created a savory twist on the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Jersey Wonders, so you can check it out.

• 2 large sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed (500g) 2 large sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed (500g)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g) 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the sweet potato mixture, stirring continuously, until a thick batter forms.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Take a small portion of the sweet potato batter and shape it into a small patty using your hands. Repeat with the remaining batter.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the sweet potato patties into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
6. 6.
   Once cooked, remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Lesotho-style Sweet Potato Fritters warm as a snack or as a side dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sweet potatoes — Make sure to boil the sweet potatoes until they are soft and easily mashable. This will ensure a smooth batter consistency.
• Ground cumin and coriander — For enhanced flavor, consider toasting the spices in a dry pan before adding them to the batter. This will release their aromatic oils and deepen their taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter.
• Serve the fritters with a side of spicy tomato chutney or a cooling yogurt dip for a contrasting flavor experience.
• Experiment with different herbs such as fresh cilantro or parsley to add a fresh and vibrant touch to the fritters.
• If the batter feels too wet, add a little more flour to achieve the desired consistency.
• To make the fritters even more nutritious, consider adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the batter.

Serving advice

Serve the Lesotho-style Sweet Potato Fritters as a delightful appetizer or as a side dish alongside a main course. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce or chutney of your choice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fritters on a serving platter, garnishing them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. For an extra touch, serve them with a side of colorful salad or pickled vegetables to add visual appeal to the dish.