Sesame-Coated Sweet Potato Croquettes

• Recipe by Portia de Smidt

At the Africa Café in Cape Town, diners sit down to communal feasts by chef and co-owner Portia de Smidt. The Pan-African offerings might include these delicious fried yam balls from Malawi, a small country north of South Africa. De Smidt refines the recipe and accentuates its origins by rolling the balls in sesame seeds, a typically Malawian ingredient.

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
2. Salt
3. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch
4. 1 tablespoon sugar
5. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
6. 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
7. 6 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)
8. One 2-ounce jar sesame seeds (3/4 cup)
9. Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

1. Put the sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Add a large pinch of salt and simmer over moderately high heat until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pan. Shake the pan over high heat to dry out the potatoes, about 1 minute. 
2. Mash the potatoes until smooth. Stir in the cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, allspice and Cheddar. Season with salt. 
3. Put the sesame seeds in a shallow bowl. Using your hands, roll the sweet potato mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in the sesame seeds until coated. 
4. In each of 2 large skillets, heat 1/4 inch of oil. Add the sweet potato balls and fry over moderate heat until golden brown all over, about 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels and serve warm or at room temperature.

Make Ahead

The coated sweet potato balls can be refrigerated overnight. Remove them from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before frying.