Savory Caribbean-Inspired Sweet Potato Cakes

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 33 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Sweet potatoes grab some Caribbean sizzle when mashed with a jalapeno pepper, green onions, and garlic. Formed into cakes and fried, the savory patties make a versatile appetizer, snack, lunch or brunch dish. Serve them warm, plain, or topped with maple syrup or a fruit chutney.

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
1/4 teaspoon allspice
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup canola oil

Directions

1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 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.