Sweet Potato Candies (Goguma Mattang): An Easy Recipe for Kids’ Snacks
Super Simple Sweet Potato Candies Recipe Perfect for a Quick and Delicious Kids’ Snack
During the winter break, keeping the kids happy with snacks can be a challenge. This recipe for ‘Goguma Mattang’ (candied sweet potatoes) is a simple and delightful treat that even picky eaters will love. With a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior, it’s a perfect way to use up those sweet potatoes and create a special moment for your family.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- Generous amount of cooking oil (for deep frying)
- 4 Tbsp oligo syrup (or corn syrup/honey)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- A pinch of black sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing your sweet potatoes. Peel the skin off two medium-sized sweet potatoes using a peeler. Then, cut them into relatively large, bite-sized pieces. Cutting them too small might cause them to break apart during frying.
Step 2
Place the cut sweet potato pieces in a bowl of water and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch, which prevents the pieces from sticking together when fried and contributes to a crispier texture. You’ll notice the water becoming cloudy as the starch is released.
Step 3
After soaking, drain the sweet potatoes and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them dry thoroughly to remove as much moisture as possible. Ensuring the sweet potatoes are dry is crucial to prevent oil splattering during the frying process.
Step 4
Transfer the dried sweet potato pieces to a microwave-safe dish and microwave them for about 3 minutes. This pre-cooking step helps to soften the sweet potatoes slightly, reducing the frying time and ensuring they cook through evenly, resulting in a more tender texture.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to fry the sweet potatoes. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-low heat (around 320°F or 160°C). Carefully add the pre-cooked sweet potato pieces and fry until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid using high heat, as this can burn the outside before the inside is cooked.
Step 6
Once the sweet potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and set aside. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and 4 tablespoons of oligo syrup over low heat. Stir constantly until the syrup is melted and slightly bubbling. Be careful not to let the syrup burn.
Step 7
Add the fried sweet potatoes back into the pan with the oligo syrup. Gently toss and stir them until each piece is evenly coated with the syrup. This process should be quick; overcooking can make the syrup sticky or hard.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and black sesame seeds for garnish, if desired. Your delicious Sweet Potato Candies (Goguma Mattang) are now ready! This incredibly simple recipe yields a wonderfully sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for snacks or dessert. Enjoy!