Sweet and Crispy Sweet Potato Candies (Goguma Mattang)
Easy Homemade Sweet Potato Candies Recipe
As the chill of winter begins to set in, we introduce ‘Goguma Mattang’ (sweet potato candies), the perfect snack to enjoy tucked away in your warm, electric-blanketed duvet. These candies offer a delightful contrast of crispy exteriors and soft, sweet interiors, making them a beloved treat for all ages. Make this simple recipe at home and share the joy with your family!
Main Ingredients- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- Cooking oil (for deep-frying)
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligodang)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the 3 sweet potatoes that will be the stars of your mattang. Scrub them well to ensure no dirt remains on the skin.
Step 2
Cut the cleaned sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes, about 2-3 cm in size. It’s important to cut them into appropriate sizes; if they are too small, they might break apart during cooking.
Step 3
Soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. This step helps prevent them from sticking together when fried and results in a crispier texture. After soaking, drain the sweet potatoes and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Residual water can cause hot oil to splatter, so ensure they are thoroughly dried.
Step 4
Pour enough cooking oil into a pan to about halfway cover the sweet potato pieces and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is adequately hot, carefully add the sweet potato cubes and fry until they turn a golden brown color. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 5
When the sweet potatoes are fried to a tempting golden hue, remove them from the oil. Place the fried sweet potatoes on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This step is crucial for achieving a clean coating later on.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to make the signature syrup for the mattang. In a clean pan, add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 4 tablespoons of corn syrup. Place the pan over low heat. It’s vital to keep the heat on low and allow the sugar to melt slowly. Be careful not to let it burn!
Step 7
Once the sugar and corn syrup begin to melt, avoid stirring directly with a spatula. Instead, gently swirl the pan to mix the ingredients evenly. This method helps prevent the syrup from clumping or burning and results in a smoother texture.
Step 8
When the syrup starts to bubble slightly and thicken a bit, carefully add the pre-fried sweet potatoes. Gently shake the pan or use a spatula to coat the sweet potatoes evenly with the syrup.
Step 9
Once the syrup has coated the sweet potatoes well and has slightly reduced, turn off the heat. Transfer the finished sweet potato candies to a serving plate. You’ll have a wonderfully crispy and sweet winter treat that’s perfect for everyone. Allowing them to cool slightly will make them even crispier!
