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Caribbean Sweet Potato Balls with Lime Syrup

Crispy, golden sweet potato balls rolled in sugar and drenched in a zesty, sticky lime syrup.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 balls
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Caribbean, Tropical
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sweet Potato Dough
  • 1.5 cups sweet potato puree roasted and mashed
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 large egg
Frying & Coating
  • 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
  • 0.5 cup coarse granulated sugar for rolling
Lime Syrup
  • 0.5 cup fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime zest

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Heavy-bottomed Pot (for frying)
  • Slotted spoon or spider skimmer
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk sweet potato puree, 1/4 cup sugar, egg, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
  3. Heat oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
  4. Fry the dough balls in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  5. In a small saucepan, simmer lime juice and powdered sugar for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in half the lime zest.
  6. Toss the warm fried balls in the lime syrup, then immediately roll them in coarse granulated sugar.
  7. Serve stacked on a plate, garnished with remaining lime zest, extra syrup, and fresh lime wedges.

Notes

Ensure your sweet potatoes are roasted rather than boiled to prevent the dough from becoming too wet. Serve warm for the best texture.