Sweet Potato Cakes

pancetta

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: bacon

Turkey bacon is lower in fat while still providing a similar flavor.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories without sacrificing too much flavor.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: ground oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Ground oats are a healthier option while crushed crackers can be more economical.

sweet potatoes

🥗Healthier: butternut squash

💰Cheaper: regular potatoes

Butternut squash offers a similar sweetness while regular potatoes are often less expensive.

Peel the sweet potatoes.

Cut the sweet potatoes into small uniform chunks.

Fill a pot with water just below the steaming basket, place the potatoes in, cover with a lid, and steam for about 15-20 minutes until done.

Finely chop 1-2 garlic cloves and half of a small sweet onion.

Cut 100 grams of pancetta into small cubes.

Coarsely grate 100 grams of low moisture mozzarella and 50 grams of pecorino Romano; mix and set aside.

Finely chop about 15 grams of fresh parsley.

In a dry pan on low medium heat, cook the pancetta until crispy, then remove to a bowl, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

Add the chopped onions to the pan, and sauté until tender; add garlic, season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes, and sauté until garlic is tender; remove and set aside.

Once the potatoes are done, remove them to a bowl and let cool; mash them slightly.

Add the pancetta, onions, garlic, salt, black pepper, parsley, and 50 grams of breadcrumbs or panko to the mashed potatoes; mix and finish mashing to incorporate everything.

Form the mixture into patties about a quarter inch thick, squeezing and tapping the sides to shape them; you should get about 14 patties.

Place the patties in the fridge to firm up before frying.

In a large pan, add enough canola oil to cover half of a patty; heat the oil until hot.

Add the patties to the pan away from you and fry each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Remove the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to catch excess oil, and season with salt.

Plate the patties with sour cream and garnish with leftover parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens