Aarti Paarti Ep. 16: Sweet (Potato) Cakes

Don't be fooled by the sweet potato's demure exterior.

Beneath that dull brown skin lies a passionately orange flesh, chock-a-block with vitamin C, and sweet to boot! But, lest you be seduced by their sweetness, beware: these tubers are quick to anger, with a mouth like a sailor.

Don't believe me? Check it...



There are so many good things about this recipe. I can think of 4 right off the top of my head!

1) Deeeee-licious!
Warm, crispy, fluffy, sweet and savory, with very little fat, so they'll leave your waistline in peace. Phew.

2) Soooo flexible!
Serve them with a salad, and it's a quick lunch or dinner.
Want a fancy-pants breakfast? How about a sweet potato eggs benedict? With my easy-peasy poached egg technique, your days of boring ol' oatmeal are over.
Need an appetizer to accompany your cocktails as you and your friends watch So You Think You Can Dance (What? You're not doing that too?)... make 'em smaller, and serve alongside some mint chutney. It'll make Cat Deeley easier to deal with. Anyone else find her slightly annoying?!
(Oh and I'll put the chutney recipe up tomorrow. Stay tuned.)

3) Cheeeeeap
This recipe made about 8 big, fat patties. For about $5. 'Nuff said.

4) Quick and easy
Microwave your sweet potato, and this whole meal can come together in about 15 minutes. And what's easier than whizzing stuff together in a food processor, making little patties and frying 'em?

Sweet (Potato) Cakes
Sweet potato-tofu patties spiked with fresh ginger, green chile & curry leaves

You'll need:
1lb sweet potatoes, cooked (boiled, roasted, nuked) and peeled
1 block extra firm tofu
1 tbsp ginger, chopped
1 serrano chili, ribs and seeds removed if you don't like things spicy, chopped
5 curry leaves (you can find these at the Indian shoppe)
2 tbsp flax seed meal (optional)
1/2 cup either all purpose flour OR chickpea flour (toasted)
1 tsp kosher salt
Olive oil

1) Mash sweet potato in a large bowl. Allow to chill in the fridge while you make the tofu mixture.

2) In a food processor, whiz together ginger, green chili, curry leaves and tofu.

3) Spoon tofu mixture into bowl, add flax seed meal, flour and salt. Fold together with a spatula.

4) Heat nonstick skillet over medium-high heat about 5 minutes, until nice and warm. Drizzle some olive oil into the pan.

5) While the pan is heating up, start shaping the patties. You can make them as big or small as you want. Just make sure they hold together (if they're still too sticky, add more flour), and they're evenly shaped.

6) Lay patties into the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes on one side, until brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes on the other side. Remove and serve!

-x-
aarti