Sweet Potato Meltaways with a Tangy Twist: A Wholesome & Delicious Treat!
By Jason Griffith
Looking for a delightful bite that’s both naturally sweet and surprisingly wholesome? These Sweet Potato Meltaways with a Tangy Twist are absolutely perfect! Combining the comforting flavors of mashed sweet potato with warm cinnamon, a hint of maple, and a bright zest of orange, these tender patties are pan-seared to perfection. Served with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or cashew cream, they offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, making them a versatile side, snack, or even a light dessert.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of creative dishes that deliver big on flavor while being genuinely good for you, and these Sweet Potato Meltaways are a prime example. What I absolutely adore is how they transform simple roasted sweet potatoes into a tender, flavorful patty. The warm cinnamon and sweet maple create a comforting base, but it’s the unexpected tangy twist of orange zest that truly elevates them, adding a bright, fresh note that’s simply irresistible. They’re quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and versatile enough for any time of day, making them a fantastic addition to a healthy eating routine.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed roasted sweet potato (from about 1 large or 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup almond flour
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- Greek yogurt or cashew cream to serve
Swaps and Notes
- Sweet Potato: Ensure your sweet potatoes are roasted until very soft and then mashed smoothly, without any lumps. This is crucial for the meltaway texture. You can roast them in the oven (400°F for 30-45 mins) or microwave them until tender.
- Almond Flour: Almond flour provides a tender texture and a nutty flavor. You can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or oat flour (from finely ground oats) if needed, though the texture might vary slightly.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness and moisture. You can use honey as an alternative. Adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your sweet potatoes and your preference.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key for the warm, comforting flavor. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice could also be added for a more complex spice profile.
- Orange Zest: The zest of an orange provides a bright, tangy counterpoint. Don’t skip this, as it truly adds the “twist”!
- Serving Cream: Plain Greek yogurt adds a tangy, creamy element that complements the sweetness. Cashew cream is a fantastic dairy-free alternative (made by blending soaked cashews with water until smooth).
- Optional Add-ins: A tiny pinch of ginger powder could enhance the warmth. For a touch of crunch, a tablespoon of toasted chopped pecans could be folded into the mix before forming patties.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups mashed roasted sweet potato, ½ cup almond flour, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and the zest of 1 orange. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are well incorporated and you have a cohesive, slightly sticky dough.
2. Form Patties: Divide the mixture into about 8-10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten it into a small patty, approximately 1 ½ – 2 inches in diameter and ½-inch thick. You want them uniform in size for even cooking.
3. Chill: Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This chilling time helps the patties firm up, making them easier to handle and preventing them from falling apart during pan-searing.
4. Pan-Sear: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a light drizzle of olive oil or butter (about 1 teaspoon) to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chilled sweet potato patties into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Pan-sear for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides.
5. Serve: Remove the pan-seared sweet potato meltaways from the skillet. Serve them warm. Top each meltaway with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or cashew cream for that delightful tangy contrast. Enjoy this delicious and healthy treat!
Tips for Success
- Smooth Mash: Ensure sweet potatoes are mashed very smoothly after roasting for the best texture.
- Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for the patties to hold their shape during cooking.
- Medium Heat for Pan-Searing: Cook over medium heat to allow them to brown and heat through without burning the outside.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sweet potato mixture before forming patties and adjust sweetness or salt as desired.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Sweet Potato Meltaways are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Healthy Breakfast/Brunch: Serve as a side with eggs, or alongside a yogurt bowl.
- Nutritious Snack: A great grab-and-go snack for any time of day.
- Light Dessert: Enjoy them as a naturally sweet, low-guilt dessert.
- Side Dish: A unique and flavorful side for grilled chicken, fish, or pork. They’d make a great addition to a meal featuring Roasted Veggie-Chickpea Bowls with Tahini Dressing.
- Holiday Side: A lighter, fresher alternative to traditional sweet potato casseroles.
- For other comforting and naturally sweet baked goods or healthy sides, check out these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
- These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas
- This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd
- Get Ready to Fall in Love with These Crispy, Tangy Greek Lemon Potatoes Topped with Creamy Feta! Perfect as a Side Dish! (for another take on healthy roasted potatoes!).
Storage and Leftover Tips
These Sweet Potato Meltaways are excellent for making ahead and storing.
- Refrigeration (Uncooked): You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and form the patties up to 2-3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, separated by parchment paper, before pan-searing.
- Refrigeration (Cooked): Store cooked meltaways in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and slightly re-crisped, or in a toaster oven. Microwaving is possible but will result in a softer texture.
- Freezing: These meltaways freeze well! Freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the pan-searing time. Cooked meltaways can also be frozen, then thawed and reheated.
Final Thoughts
These Sweet Potato Meltaways with a Tangy Twist are a truly delightful and versatile addition to your healthy eating repertoire. Their natural sweetness, warm spices, and zesty orange kick make them an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Get ready to fall in love with this wholesome and flavorful bite!
What are your favorite ways to incorporate sweet potatoes into healthy dishes, or do you have a secret ingredient that adds a unique twist to a classic? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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