SWEET POTATO SESAME BALLS

 Sweet Potato Sesame Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or dessert.

Sweet Memories, Sweet Potato Sesame Balls

Ah, sesame balls – a taste that brings me right back to childhood! But these aren't your average sesame balls. Today, we're diving into the delightful world of Sweet Potato Sesame Balls.

These beauties hail from Asia, particularly China, Taiwan, and Japan. They're a delightful snack or dessert that's both fun to make and even more fun to eat. Imagine perfectly golden, crispy sesame seeds giving way to a soft, pillowy center of sweet potato – pure bliss!

Making them is surprisingly simple. We start with cooked sweet potato, which gets mixed with glutinous rice flour to create a delicious dough. Then, we form little balls and coat them in a blanket of sesame seeds. Finally, a quick fry transforms them into crispy, golden puffs of happiness.

Here's the magic behind the deliciousness:

• Sweet Potato: This superstar ingredient adds natural sweetness, a touch of earthiness, and a wonderful chewy texture. Bonus: it's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber!
• Glutinous Rice Flour: This is the secret to that amazing chew. It binds everything together and creates a fun, bouncy texture.
• Sugar: A touch of sweetness to complement the sweet potato and create a hint of caramelization during frying.
• Sesame Seeds: These little guys add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor, plus a good dose of healthy fats and protein.

Sweet potato sesame balls are a delicious way to indulge your sweet tooth, and surprisingly easy to make at home. So next time you're craving a satisfying snack, give these a try! They're a delightful way to relive a childhood favorite with a grown-up twist.

Recipe video:

The Humble Sesame Ball: A Bite-Sized Treat with a Big History 

Sesame balls, those delightful little puffs of fried dough crusted in sesame seeds, are a beloved dessert across Asia. But beyond their satisfying crunch and sweetness, these treats boast a rich history and some surprising health benefits. Let's delve into the world of sesame balls! 

A History Deep-Fried 

Pinpointing the exact origin of sesame balls is tricky. Evidence suggests they've been enjoyed in China for centuries, possibly even millennia. There, they're known as jiandui, and are traditionally eaten during festivals like Chinese New Year. Their round shape symbolizes completeness and family togetherness. Sesame seeds themselves have been cultivated for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations in Asia and Africa using them in food and medicine. 

Beyond Borders, Beyond Fillings 

Sesame balls aren't just a Chinese phenomenon. Variations exist throughout Asia, with different names and fillings. In Japan, they're called goma dango and are often filled with sweet red bean paste. India has its ellurundai, which can be sweet or savory, with fillings like lentils or jaggery (unrefined cane sugar). The diversity reflects the long history of cultural exchange across the continent. 

 A Treat with Benefits 

 While sesame balls are a sweet indulgence, they offer some surprising health benefits. Sesame seeds themselves are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and minerals like calcium and iron. The glutinous rice flour used in the dough can also contribute to feelings of fullness. However, it's important to remember that sesame balls are fried, so moderation is key. 

 A Delicious Tradition Continues 

Sesame balls remain popular for a reason. They're a delightful combination of textures – the crisp, toasty sesame crust gives way to a soft, chewy interior. The fillings, whether sweet or savory, add another layer of flavor. But perhaps the biggest reason for their enduring popularity is their cultural significance. Sesame balls are a way to connect with tradition, celebrate special occasions, and share a sweet treat with loved ones. So next time you encounter a sesame ball, take a moment to appreciate its history, cultural significance, and surprising health benefits. Then, take a bite and savor the deliciousness!"

Here's a simple recipe to make sweet potato sesame balls:

Ingredients:

• 2 pcs. sweet potatoes ( yellow and purple), steamed and mashed
• 1 tbsp. sugar (each)
• 1/4 cup potato starch
• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp. cooking oil
• 1 tsp. food color (purple)
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Peel the sweet potato and cut them into small cubes. 

2. Steam the sweet potato cubes until they are soft and easily mashed.

3. Mash the steamed sweet potato with a fork or potato masher until it is smooth and free of lumps.

4. In a small saucepan, heat the water and add sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

5. In a separate bowl, mix the potato starch, and glutinous rice flour. Immediately add the sugar-water mixture. Mix well until a sticky dough forms.

6. Gradually add the remaining glutinous rice flour.

7. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Cover one of the doughs in plastic wrap. Set aside.

8. Add food color to other dough. Cover one of the doughs in plastic wrap. Set aside. Rest both of the dough for 30 minutes.

9. Divide the dough into small balls, about 20 grams each.

10. Use your thumb to make a deep hole in the dough and then the thumb and index fingers together to form the dough into a cup. 

11. Place the sweet potato paste in the hole and shape the dough over the top to seal. Roll it between the palms of your hands until the seams disappear.

12. Dip one ball at a time into the small bowl of water. 

13. Roll each ball in the white sesame seeds, making sure to coat all sides.

14. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the sesame balls to the pan, frying in batches if necessary.

15. Fry the balls for about 3-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain them on a paper towel.

16. Serve the sweet potato sesame balls warm and enjoy!

 So next time you're craving a sweet treat, why not whip up a batch of Sweet Potato Sesame Balls? They're a delicious way to experience a taste of Asia and create some sweet memories of your own.