SAVORY CARIBBEAN-INSPIRED SWEET POTATO CAKES

Savory Caribbean-Inspired Sweet Potato Cakes image

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.

Provided by Shannon

Time 53m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

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

Steps:

Place the sweet potatoes in a pan, and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until potatoes are easily pierced with fork, about 10 minutes. Drain, place the potatoes in a mixing bowl, and mash.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the jalapeno pepper, green onions, and garlic. Cook and stir until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir the vegetables, brown sugar, and allspice into the mashed sweet potatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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.
Heat 1/4 cup canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the sweet potato cakes in the skillet, four at a time, and cook, turning once, until golden brown on each side, 6 to 8 minutes. Add more oil if needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 289.1 calories, Carbohydrate 31.6 g, Fat 17.6 g, Fiber 4.9 g, Protein 2.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 80.7 mg, Sugar 7.4 g