Savory Baked Taro Balls
These Savory Baked Taro Balls are a delightful and healthier twist on traditional deep-fried puffs. Inspired by the rich culinary heritage found in the pages of 'A Hundred Years of Island Cooking', these puffs are made with creamy taro root and a touch of butter, offering a light and fluffy texture. Perfect for gatherings or as a unique appetizer, they’re not only lower in fat but also packed with flavor, making them a guilt-free indulgence that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
35
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/4 cup (softened, divided)
flour
1/2 cup (all-purpose, sifted)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (sifted)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
cooked taro root
2 cups (mashed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Using 1 tablespoon of the softened butter, generously grease two muffin pans that have 1 3/4-inch cups.
2
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even distribution of lemon flavor. Gradually blend the flour mixture into the mashed taro until fully combined. The mixture should hold together without being too sticky.
3
Using your hands, shape the taro mixture into 1-inch balls and place each ball into the prepared muffin pans, creating small, rounded puffs.
4
For added flavor, press small pieces of the remaining softened butter into the tops of each taro ball, allowing it to melt during baking.
5
Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are puffy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
6
Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these savory treats warm for the best flavor!
Nutrition Information
1.7g
Fat
3.7g
Carbs
0.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Baked Taro Balls?
Savory Baked Taro Balls are a healthier, baked alternative to traditional deep-fried taro puffs, made with creamy taro root, butter, and flour.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, these are baked rather than deep-fried, making them lower in fat and a guilt-free appetizer compared to traditional versions.
What is the primary ingredient in this recipe?
The primary ingredient is 2 cups of cooked and mashed taro root.
How many calories are in one Savory Baked Taro Ball?
Each serving contains approximately 35 calories.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 475°F (245°C).
How long do these taro balls need to bake?
They should bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are puffy and golden brown.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
Is this recipe vegan?
No, this recipe is not vegan because it contains butter.
What size muffin pan should I use?
You should use muffin pans with 1 3/4-inch cups, often referred to as mini muffin pans.
How much butter is needed in total?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of softened butter, divided for greasing and topping.
How do I prepare the taro root for this recipe?
The taro root should be cooked and then mashed before being measured and mixed with other ingredients.
What size should the taro balls be before baking?
The taro mixture should be shaped into 1-inch balls.
What is the texture of these taro puffs?
The baked puffs have a creamy internal texture and are light and fluffy.
Can I add extra flavor to the tops of the balls?
Yes, the instructions suggest pressing small pieces of softened butter into the tops of each ball before baking for added flavor.
What culinary heritage inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Hawaiian cuisine and the book 'A Hundred Years of Island Cooking'.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving has approximately 1.7g of fat.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, there is no sugar listed in the ingredients for this savory version.
How much protein is in the taro balls?
There is approximately 0.4g of protein per serving.
What should I do if the mixture is too sticky?
The mixture should hold together without being too sticky; if it is, ensure your taro is well-mashed and properly blended with the flour.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: butter, flour, baking powder, salt, and cooked taro root.
Should the taro balls be served hot or cold?
They are best enjoyed warm for the best flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt together ensures an even distribution and a lighter texture.
How do I prevent the balls from sticking to the pan?
Generously grease the muffin pans with 1 tablespoon of softened butter before placing the balls inside.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains about 3.7g of carbohydrates.
Can I use this as an appetizer?
Absolutely, these are described as a unique and perfect appetizer for gatherings.
Why is baking powder used in this recipe?
Baking powder is used to help the taro balls become puffy and light during the baking process.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them ahead of time and reheat them slightly before serving to restore their texture.
Are these taro balls gluten-free?
No, they contain all-purpose flour. To make them gluten-free, you would need to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
How many muffin pans are required?
The recipe suggests using two muffin pans with 1 3/4-inch cups.