Curried Sweet Potato Fritters with Spiced Sour Cream
Indulge your senses with these flavorful Curried Sweet Potato Fritters, crafted from creamy mashed sweet potatoes combined with aromatic spices and a hint of heat. Pan-fried to golden perfection, these fritters are not only a delightful side dish but also make for a perfect appetizer or party bite, served alongside a luscious spiced sour cream that complements their sweetness and adds a touch of exotic flair. Perfect for gatherings or as a unique addition to any meal, these fritters are sure to impress your guests with their vibrant flavor and appealing presentation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
4 teaspoons (divided)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
jalapeno pepper
1 teaspoon (minced)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon
sweet potatoes
2 (peeled and cut into about 1 1/2 inch cubes)
chicken broth
2 cups
hot red curry paste
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
(to taste)
flour
3 tablespoons
cornmeal
2 tablespoons
ground cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon
cooking oil
2 tablespoons (for pan frying)
sour cream
4 tablespoons
mild curry powder
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick skillet, melt 2 teaspoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for approximately 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
2
Stir in the minced jalapeno and ground ginger. Cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
3
Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet, pour in the chicken broth, and mix in the hot red curry paste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
4
Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Mash the potatoes until smooth while incorporating the remaining 2 teaspoons of butter, salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste.
5
Using about 1/4 cup of the mashed sweet potato mixture at a time, form the mixture into slightly flattened round patties. Place the formed patties on a plate.
6
Chill the patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
7
While the patties are chilling, prepare the spiced sour cream by combining the sour cream and mild curry powder in a small bowl. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
8
On a sheet of waxed paper, mix together the flour, cornmeal, and cayenne pepper. Dredge each chilled patty in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
9
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in the same skillet over medium heat (wipe it dry with a paper towel if needed). Once hot, carefully add the slicked fritters to the pan.
10
Pan-fry the cakes for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
11
Remove the patties from the skillet and drain on paper towels if necessary. Serve warm, accompanied by the curried sour cream for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Curried Sweet Potato Fritters?
Curried Sweet Potato Fritters are flavorful savory patties made from mashed sweet potatoes, aromatic spices, and red curry paste, pan-fried to golden perfection.
How do you make the spiced sour cream?
Combine 4 tablespoons of sour cream with 2 teaspoons of mild curry powder in a small bowl and stir vigorously until smooth.
What type of sweet potatoes should I use?
Standard orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are best for this recipe because they become creamy when mashed and provide a natural sweetness.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
While the recipe tags suggest vegetarian, the ingredients list chicken broth. To make it strictly vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How long do the sweet potatoes need to cook?
The cubed sweet potatoes should be simmered in the broth for approximately 12 to 15 minutes until they are tender.
Why do the fritter patties need to be chilled?
Chilling the patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up so they do not fall apart during the pan-frying process.
What is in the crispy coating for the fritters?
The coating consists of a mixture of 3 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of cornmeal, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
The recipe is designed for pan-frying to achieve a crispy texture, but they can be baked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit on a greased sheet, though they will be less crunchy.
What kind of curry paste is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of hot red curry paste added during the potato boiling stage.
How much jalapeno is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of minced jalapeno pepper for a hint of heat.
Can I substitute fresh ginger for ground ginger?
Yes, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger with about 3/4 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger.
What oil is best for pan-frying the fritters?
Any neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, works well for this recipe.
How many fritters does this recipe make?
Using 1/4 cup of the mixture for each patty, the recipe typically yields about 6 to 8 fritters.
Are these sweet potato fritters spicy?
They have a moderate level of spice due to the hot red curry paste, minced jalapeno, and cayenne pepper, but the sweet potato and sour cream help balance the heat.
Can I make the fritter mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mash the potatoes and form the patties up to 24 hours in advance if kept covered in the refrigerator.
How should I store leftover fritters?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat these fritters?
To maintain the crispy exterior, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven until warmed through.
Can I use a different type of potato?
You can use yams, but regular white potatoes will lack the characteristic sweetness and moisture of this specific dish.
What role does the cornmeal play in the recipe?
The cornmeal adds an extra layer of crunch and texture to the outside of the fritters that flour alone cannot provide.
Is the spiced sour cream necessary?
While optional, the spiced sour cream provides a cool, tangy contrast that perfectly complements the warm, spiced flavor of the fritters.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great lower-fat alternative that still provides the necessary tang and creaminess.
How do I prevent the fritters from becoming greasy?
Ensure the oil is hot before adding the patties and drain the cooked fritters on paper towels immediately after frying.
Can I add other vegetables to the mash?
Finely shredded carrots or corn kernels can be added to the mashed potato mixture for additional texture.
Can these be made gluten-free?
To make these gluten-free, substitute the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What should I serve with these fritters?
They work excellently as an appetizer on their own or as a side dish for roasted meats or a fresh green salad.
How finely should I chop the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped so that it distributes evenly throughout the mashed potato mixture without creating large chunks.
Can I use curry powder instead of curry paste?
Curry paste provides a deeper flavor, but if needed, you can substitute the paste with 1 to 2 teaspoons of curry powder.
Are these fritters suitable for a party?
Yes, their vibrant color and unique exotic flavor make them an impressive and appealing appetizer for guests.
Should I drain the potatoes after boiling?
Yes, it is important to drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly after cooking to ensure the mash is not too watery to form patties.
What is the texture of these fritters?
They feature a soft, creamy interior made of spiced mashed sweet potatoes and a thin, golden, crispy exterior.