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sweet potato fritters

Easy Sweet Potato Fritters Recipe | How to Use Leftover Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile. If you’re wondering how to use leftover sweet potatoes in a creative and delicious way, this easy sweet potato fritters recipe is perfect for you! These crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside treats are inspired by East African mandazi, making them a delightful snack or breakfast option. Whether you’re looking to reduce food waste or simply try a new way to enjoy sweet potatoes, this simple recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen, plus, don't miss the video tutorial at the end of this post for extra guidance. Let’s dive in!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Proofing Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine East African, Fusion
Servings 8

Equipment

  • 2 mixing bowls
  • 1 Masher (You can also use a fork)
  • 1 Wooden Spoon
  • 1 Deep frying pan
  • 1 Slotted Spoon
  • 1 Clean Kitchen Towel
  • Measuring cups and spoons as needed

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large boiled sweet potato (makes about 2 cups when mashed)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsps. sugar (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 1 & ¼ tsps. instant yeast
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsps. vegetable oil
  • 6 tbsps. milk or water (adjust as needed)
  • Additional vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Leftover Sweet Potato
    Add the sweet potato to a large mixing bowl and cut it up into chunks then mash it using a masher or fork.  
    You should have about 2 cups of mashed sweet potato. Set it aside.
  • Prepare the Dry Ingredients
    In a suitable mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, (you can adjust the quantity based on your preference) and salt.
    Mix these ingredients well.
    Next, add the yeast, ensuring it does not come into direct contact with the salt to avoid deactivating it.
    Stir to combine and set aside.
  • Prepare the Wet Ingredients
    Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and the egg to the mashed sweet potato.
    Mix with a wooden spoon until well combined.
  • Combine the Mixtures and Knead the Dough
    Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients while kneading with your hands.
    The dough will begin to form but may be slightly dry.
    To achieve a soft and slightly sticky dough, gradually add in milk or water, one tablespoon at a time. Typically, about six tablespoons should be enough, but this may vary based on the moisture content of your sweet potato.
    Once the dough is soft and pliable, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes.
    If the weather is cold, create a warm environment by placing the dough bowl over a smaller pan filled with hot water. Cover the pan with a thick kitchen towel that you’ve folded double to help reduce the heat but create a warm environment for the dough to proof.
    Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel to maintain warmth and encourage proofing.
    It's a heavy dough so it may not expand significantly but you can tell it has proofed because it will feel airy as you beat it down after the proofing time.
  • Shape the Mandazi/ Fritters
    After the dough has rested, it’s time to shape the mandazi:
    Briefly knead the dough in the bowl.
    Pinch off small portions of dough and roll them into balls about an inch to an inch and a half in diameter. Flatten each ball slightly with your hands, or, Use a fork to gently press down on each piece, creating decorative ridges. To prevent the dough from sticking to the fork, lightly dip the fork in flour before pressing.
    the mandazi/fritter pieces with decorative ridges made using a fork
  • Fry the Mandazi
    Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium to high heat.
    To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil.
    If it sizzles and rises to the surface without burning too quickly, the oil is at the right temperature.
    Carefully slide the prepared mandazi into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on one side. Flip and allow the other side to cook to a similar golden color.
    Once fully cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  • Enjoy Your Sweet Potato Mandazi/ Fritters
    These sweet potato mandazi are best enjoyed warm, with a cup of tea or coffee.
    They have a soft, fluffy texture and a deliciously mild sweetness, making them perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
    soft and fluffy sweet potato fritters

Video

Notes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Great for kids – A fun and delicious way to get children to eat sweet potatoes.
  • Simple ingredients – Uses everyday ingredients that you likely already have at home.
  • Versatile – Enjoy as a snack, breakfast, or side dish.
  • Easy to make – No complicated techniques required.

More Sweet Potato Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out this other delightful Sweet Potato Fritters recipe, another simple and tasty way to enjoy sweet potatoes. It’s on video. The blog is coming soon!
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Happy cooking!
Enhance your hospitality for the glory of God.
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