This simple fritter uses just two main ingredients: sweet potatoes and potatoes. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are combined with a smooth potato puree and bound together with potato starch from the potatoes themselves rather than flour. The result is quick to prepare, pantry-friendly, and delivers the familiar comforts of sweet potato fries and classic fries in a single bite.
I prefer Asian sweet potatoes with dark purple skin and white flesh for their chestnut-like flavor. Their texture and subtle sweetness work especially well in this recipe, but any firm sweet potato can be used.
To make Sweet Potato–Potato Fritters:
(Makes about 10 palm-sized fritters)
Ingredients: 3 sweet potatoes, 2 potatoes, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel and roughly chop the potatoes. Puree them in a food processor until smooth. Stir in the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and salt if using. The puree should be cohesive enough to act as a binder when combined with the sliced sweet potatoes.
2. Slice the sweet potatoes: Wash and thinly slice the sweet potatoes into even pieces so they cook through and crisp evenly. Combine the slices with the potato puree, tossing gently to coat each slice.
3. Fry the fritters: Heat a generous layer of cooking oil in a pan over low to medium heat—enough to coat the pan thoroughly. Spoon small mounds of the sweet potato and potato mixture into the pan, flattening slightly into palm-sized fritters. Fry until golden and crispy on one side, then flip and cook until the other side is also crisp and cooked through. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning while ensuring the centers cook.
Tips for best results:
- Slice the sweet potatoes uniformly so the fritters cook evenly.
- Use moderate heat to allow the interior to cook without over-browning the exterior.
- Drain fried fritters briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
- Season to taste—additional spices such as black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika can complement the natural sweetness.
Serve these fritters warm as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. Their combination of tender interior and crispy exterior makes them a versatile, comforting option that’s both economical and easy to prepare.