Sweet Potato Donuts

 

A Delicious Twist on a Classic Snack

Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and nutritious, offering a delightful range of culinary possibilities. From steaming and boiling to roasting and frying, sweet potatoes can be enjoyed in many ways. But have you ever considered making sweet potato donuts? Today, we're taking a beloved snack and giving it a nutritious twist by using Japanese sweet potatoes, or Satsumaimo. These fried sweet potato donuts will transport you back to your childhood with every bite.

As a child, my mother always cooked sweet potatoes in various forms. Whether they were steamed, boiled, fried, or candied, sweet potatoes were a staple in our household. But my favorite was when she made sweet potato donuts. The delicious aroma would fill the kitchen, making my siblings and me eagerly wait for snack time. We would watch her with anticipation, our excitement growing as the donuts began to take shape.

The process was almost magical. I remember the sound of sweet potatoes being mashed, the careful mixing of ingredients, and the sight of dough being shaped into perfect circles. The kitchen was our happy place, and those moments were filled with laughter and stories. My mother would often let us help, giving us small tasks that made us feel involved in the creation of our favorite treat.

When the donuts were finally ready, we would gather around the table, each of us grabbing a warm, freshly made donut. The first bite was always the best—crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside. Snack time was never boring when we shared those delightful sweet potato donuts. Those memories of enjoying sweet potato donuts with my family are some of the fondest from my childhood, and they continue to bring a smile to my face every time I make them.

Recipe video:

Why Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes, especially the Japanese variety, are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. They're rich in bioactive compounds like carbohydrates, proteins, carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and minerals. These nutrients contribute to their high nutritional value and numerous health-promoting properties, such as:

• Rich in Fiber: Supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight.
• High in Vitamins: Particularly vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function and skin health.
• Antioxidant Properties: Carotenoids and anthocyanins help protect the body from oxidative stress.
• Low Glycemic Index: Helps regulate blood sugar levels, making them a great choice for those managing diabetes.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Donuts

Here's a simple and delightful recipe for making sweet potato donuts using Satsumaimo. However, you can use any sweet potatoes available in your region.

Ingredients:

• 250 grams sweet potato (Japanese Sweet Potato)
• 40 grams sugar
• 100 ml water
• 1 egg
• 40 grams sugar
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 40 ml milk
• 100 grams bread flour
• 100 grams cake flour
• 7 grams baking powder
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Nutella (for topping, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

• Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks.
• Boil the sweet potatoes in water with 40 grams of sugar until soft.
• Drain and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Set aside to cool.

2. Mix the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, egg, 40 grams of sugar, and sea salt. Mix well.
• Add the milk and stir until well combined.
• Sift in the bread flour, cake flour, and baking powder. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Shape the Donuts:

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
• Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one larger for the outer circle, one smaller for the inner circle) to cut out donut shapes.
• Re-roll the scraps and cut out more donuts until all the dough is used.

4. Fry the Donuts:

• Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 170°C (340°F).
• Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Add the Finishing Touches:

• Dust the donuts with powdered sugar.
• Optionally, drizzle or dip the donuts in Nutella for an extra indulgent treat.

Enjoy these juicy, sweet potato donuts that are not only delicious but also packed with the goodness of sweet potatoes. This recipe is sure to change your perspective on healthy sweets. Happy cooking!

 Conclusion:

These sweet potato donuts are a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of sweet potatoes in a fun and tasty way. Whether you stick to the traditional Japanese Satsumaimo or use another variety, these donuts will surely satisfy your cravings and bring a bit of childhood joy to your day. Enjoy!