Sweet potato fritters/Vegetarian fritters

Flax Powered Sweet Potato Fritters

Sweet potato is natures way of making vegetables lovable. It is a bit too starchy when boiled, which was how I used to prepare and eat it earlier. Shredding it and adding some spices is an interesting way to enjoy it.

Today, I went on an outing to three different places. People there were very nice to me. It could be because I behaved well or I talked politely or change in the weather. It could simply be because they are just lovely people. This is Canada you see! I am proud to say that being nice is a Canadian thing! Overall, I had a very good day! Being the International day of happiness, I had every reason to call it a heart warming day.

A few days back, when we had fluffy snow I got out to clean it. Our snowblower could not be cranked up and stood still in the garage like a stubborn boulder. So I used a shovel to push the snow aside. It was fun for a while. Soon my hands were freezing as the temperature was dipping down. I took a short break half way through and went inside for a hot drink and then forgot time. On returning to finish the work, I found my drive-way was cleared up. I guessed one of my friendly neighbours had used his snowblower to complete the task. I did not even know who to thank. So I thanked my stars and everyone in general.

I can go on listing many such acts of generosity and consideration showered upon me. I try to do my best to reciprocate and spread the goodwill. Sometime it is very difficult to match!

When I started writing about sweet potato these are the sweet thoughts that rushed into my mind. Getting back to sweet potato fritters, these are easy to make savoury breakfast. A few fritters with coffee and some fruits will make a hearty breakfast.

Ingredients

• 1 medium sweet potato
• 1 medium onion
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp flax seeds
• few coriander leaves
• salt
• vegetable oil as needed

1. Powder flax seeds in a blender. (You may powder more seeds and take 1 tbsp powder.)
2. Dissolve flax powder in 2 tbsp water and leave it to soak overnight or for 2 hours until it forms a gooey gel.
3. Peel skin and grate sweet potato.
4. Chop onion, jalapeno pepper and garlic into small pieces.
5. Add chopped coriander leaves, flour and salt.
6. Mix the right amount of flax gel to make a thick mixture.
7. Heat a flat skillet or pan and add a little oil.
8. Take a heaped spoon of mixture and add to the pan and flatten it.
9. Cook on medium heat until one side is browned.
10. Flip to the other side, drizzle oil and cook.
11. Repeat with all patties.

I got 6 fritters with this mixture. Double the ingredients for a dozen fritters. Thin fritters crisp up easily and hold together. Remove seeds of jalapeno pepper if you like to reduce heat. These are very delicious fritters and can be eaten with ketchup if mild and with yogurt if hot.

Powdered flax seeds in water act as a binder to hold all the ingredients in place. These fritters have a lovely sweet potato taste and all other flavours in a balance. Contrary to eggs in fritters, flax seeds do not impart an overwhelming taste or smell.

I normally try any new recipe two or three time before I post it. First, I tried the same recipe using an egg instead of powdered flax seeds a few days back. It had an eggy smell with a spongy texture. All other flavours were drowned in it and sweet potato was not distinct as a main ingredient. Those fritters were thicker and heavier so I had to be careful in lifting them from the skillet. Both vegetarian and egg versions can be satisfying in their own ways.

Crispy caramelized sweet potato fritters can be a great addition to any meal. These are delightful when served warm.

I wish to share this recipe with the happy people at Fiesta Friday #60