Sweet Potato & Corn Cakes with Tamarind Bacon & Avocado
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Sweet Potato & Corn Cakes are paired with a tangy tamarind-glazed plant-based ‘bacon’ and creamy avocado slices for a flavor-packed dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- Sweet Potato: 2 cups mashed (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
- Corn Kernels: 1 cup (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup
- Green Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Oil for Frying: 2–3 tablespoons
- Avocado: 1 large, sliced
- Tamarind Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Vegan Bacon or Eggplant Strips: 4–6 pieces
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat and drizzle in a bit of oil.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potato, corn, flour, green onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes until well combined.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Make sure your skillet is evenly coated with oil and hot enough before frying. Test with a small bit of batter—it should sizzle gently.
- Assemble the Dish: Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape it into a patty. Repeat for all cakes.
- Cook to Perfection: Fry each cake for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Finishing Touches: In a small pan, mix tamarind paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 2 minutes. Glaze your vegan bacon strips in this sauce until sticky and caramelized.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the sweet potato cakes, top with glazed strips, and garnish with sliced avocado. Add herbs or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Notes
- Use cold mashed sweet potato for better texture.
- Wet your hands before shaping patties to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Let cooked cakes rest for a few minutes before serving.