Savory Caribbean-Inspired Sweet Potato Cakes

Description

This recipe is inspired by fried buttercup squash patties that I had at the best Caribbean restaurant in town! Enjoy the complex and satisfying mix of garlic and chili pepper, with just a tinge of sweetness. These are great for appetizers, a light lunch with salad, or even for brunch! The sweet potatoes can be replaced with a winter squash, such as buttercup. Serve them warm, plain, or topped with maple syrup or a fruit chutney.

Ingredients

  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 fresh jalapeno chile, seeded and finely chopped
  • 3 green onions with tops, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup canola oil

Instructions

  1. Place the sweet potatoes in a pan
  2. and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil
  3. and cook until potatoes are easily pierced with fork
  4. about 10 minutes. Drain
  5. place the potatoes in a mixing bowl
  6. and mash.
  7. Meanwhile
  8. heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the jalapeno pepper
  9. green onions
  10. and garlic. Cook and stir until the vegetables are soft
  11. about 5 minutes. Stir the vegetables
  12. brown sugar
  13. and allspice into the mashed sweet potatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  14. Form the sweet potato mixture into 12 slightly flattened cakes about 2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter using your hands or large spoons. Place on a plate.
  15. Heat 1/4 cup canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the sweet potato cakes in the skillet
  16. four at a time
  17. and cook
  18. turning once
  19. until golden brown on each side
  20. 6 to 8 minutes. Add more oil if needed.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 33 mins

Total Time: 53 mins

Servings: 4

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