Crispy Fried Sweet Potato Medallions
Elevate your mealtime with these delightful Crispy Fried Sweet Potato Medallions! A cherished addition to our church's annual fish fry, this dish brings excitement and irresistible flavor to the table. With their golden-brown crispiness on the outside and sweet, tender texture within, these medallions pair perfectly with pork chops, grilled meats, or can be enjoyed as a snack on their own. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, they are a must-try side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
3
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes or Yams
3 (medium, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds)
Vegetable Oil
as needed (for frying)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the sweet potatoes or yams and slicing them into thick 1/2 inch rounds, resembling medallions.
2
To prevent discoloration, immediately immerse the sliced potatoes in a bowl of water.
3
After 10-15 minutes, drain the potatoes and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they fry properly.
4
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil over low to medium heat to completely submerge the potato medallions.
5
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the dried potato slices. Fry them in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding.
6
Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
7
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried medallions from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
8
While the medallions are still hot, sprinkle them with salt to taste.
9
Serve warm as a side dish or snack, and enjoy the delicious crunch!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Fried Sweet Potato Medallions?
They are delicious rounds of sweet potato fried to a golden-brown crisp while remaining tender inside.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 3 servings.
What is the ideal slice thickness for the medallions?
The sweet potatoes should be sliced into thick 1/2 inch rounds.
Why should I soak the potato slices in water?
Soaking the sliced potatoes in water immediately after cutting helps prevent discoloration.
How long do I need to soak the sweet potato medallions?
You should soak the slices in a bowl of water for 10 to 15 minutes.
Do I need to dry the potatoes before frying?
Yes, you must thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they fry properly and achieve crispiness.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Vegetable oil is the recommended choice for frying these sweet potato medallions.
How much oil is needed in the skillet?
Use enough vegetable oil to completely submerge the potato medallions during the frying process.
What heat setting should I use for the oil?
The oil should be heated over a low to medium heat setting in a deep skillet.
How long do I fry each side of the medallions?
Fry the slices for approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
How can I tell when the sweet potatoes are done cooking?
They are finished when they are golden brown on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork.
Should I fry all the potatoes at once?
No, it is best to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures even cooking.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the medallions and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
When should I add salt to the dish?
Sprinkle them with salt to taste while the medallions are still hot for better adherence.
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, yams can be used as a direct substitute for sweet potatoes in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as it consists of potatoes, oil, and salt.
What are the best foods to pair with these medallions?
They pair perfectly with pork chops, grilled meats, or other soul food favorites.
Can these be served as a snack?
Absolutely, they can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or as a side dish.
Do the sweet potatoes need to be peeled?
Yes, the instructions recommend peeling the sweet potatoes or yams before slicing them.
What equipment is necessary for this recipe?
You will need a vegetable peeler, a knife, a deep skillet, a slotted spoon, and paper towels.
How do I ensure the medallions are crispy?
Drying the slices completely and maintaining the correct oil temperature are the most important steps for crispiness.
What happens if the potatoes are still wet when they hit the oil?
Wet potatoes will cause the oil to splatter and prevent the outside from becoming properly crispy.
Is this considered a soul food recipe?
Yes, it is a traditional dish often featured at church fish fries and soul food gatherings.
Can I add other seasonings besides salt?
While salt is the basic seasoning, you can experiment with cinnamon or paprika if desired.
How do I prevent the potatoes from turning brown before frying?
Immediately immersing the sliced rounds in water prevents the oxidation that causes discoloration.
How many sweet potatoes do I need?
The recipe calls for 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes or yams.
Should the medallions be served hot or cold?
For the best texture and crunch, it is highly recommended to serve them warm.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What is the internal texture of the fried medallions?
The interior of the medallions becomes sweet and very tender once cooked.
Why is this recipe popular at church fish fries?
It is a cherished side dish that brings excitement and irresistible flavor to community meal gatherings.