Gufonginho de Batata Doce
Gufonginho de Batata Doce are small, fried pastries made from a dough of cornmeal and sweet potato, offering a slightly sweet and satisfying bite. They are a popular treat in Cape Verde, often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 large Sweet potatoes(peeled and diced)
- 4 cups Fine yellow cornmeal(pre-cooked, plus more for dusting)
- 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 4 cups Vegetable oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Boil or steam the diced sweet potatoes until very tender. Drain any excess water and mash them thoroughly until smooth. You can use a food processor for a smoother consistency.
💡 Tip: Ensure sweet potatoes are completely soft for easy mashing. - 2
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix well.
💡 Tip: A spatula or your hands work well for mixing. - 3
Gradually add the cornmeal to the sweet potato mixture, mixing until a workable dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable. You may not need all the cornmeal.
💡 Tip: Dust your hands and work surface with cornmeal to prevent sticking. - 4
Shape the dough into small, log-like or ball shapes, about 1-1.5 inches in length. Dust your hands with cornmeal if the dough becomes too sticky.
- 5
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
💡 Tip: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. - 6
Carefully fry the gufonginho in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Turn them gently to ensure even browning. - 7
Remove the fried gufonginho with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 8
Serve warm.
💡 Tip: Best enjoyed fresh and warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The consistency of the dough is key; it should be firm enough to shape but not dry.
- ✓Don't make the gufong too large, as they may not cook through evenly.
- ✓If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the amount of sugar.
- ✓These can be frozen after shaping and fried from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
- Some recipes include mashed banana along with sweet potato for added sweetness and a different texture.
- For a savory version, omit the sugar and add herbs or spices.