Patates Douces Frites (Guinean Fried Sweet Potato with Pepper Relish)
Local name: Patates douces frites
In short: Thick-cut sweet potatoes fried until golden outside and soft inside, served hot with a sharp raw onion, tomato and chili relish. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 320 kcal
Fried sweet potato is a common street snack in Guinea, sold hot in paper cones or on a plate with a spoonful of relish. The potatoes are cut thick so they stay creamy inside while the edges brown and caramelize. A quick relish of raw onion, tomato, lime and chili cuts through the sweetness. They are best eaten straight from the pan, as an afternoon snack or a side with grilled fish.
Instructions
- Make the relish first. Mix the onion, tomatoes, chili, lime juice, oil and salt in a bowl and leave it to sit while you cook.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into thick fingers about 2 cm (3/4 in) wide. Pat them very dry with a clean towel.
- Heat the oil in a deep heavy pot to 170°C (340°F). A cube of bread dropped in should turn golden in about 40 seconds.
- Fry the sweet potatoes in 3 batches for 7 to 8 minutes each, until the edges are golden brown and a knife slides in easily. Do not crowd the pot.
- Lift the potatoes out with a slotted spoon, drain them on paper towels and sprinkle with the salt while still hot.
- Serve hot in a pile, with the relish spooned on top or in a bowl for dipping.
Tips
- Choose firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and cut them evenly. Soaking them in cold water for 15 minutes before drying gives a firmer outside.
- To avoid frying, toss the cut potatoes in 2 tablespoons of oil and roast at 220°C (425°F) for 30 minutes, turning once.
Questions and answers
How do I keep fried sweet potatoes from going soggy?
Dry them well, keep the oil at 170°C (340°F) and fry in small batches. Eat them within 15 minutes, since they soften as they cool.
Can I reuse the frying oil?
Yes, once. Let it cool, strain it through a fine sieve and store it in a closed jar for up to a week.
What can I serve with fried sweet potato?
Grilled fish or chicken is a common partner. The relish also goes well with fried plantain.
How long does it take to make Patates Douces Frites (Guinean Fried Sweet Potato with Pepper Relish)?
About 45 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Patates Douces Frites (Guinean Fried Sweet Potato with Pepper Relish)?
About 320 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 45 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
