Purple Sweet Potato Dessert Balls

Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat – my Purple Sweet Potato Dessert Balls recipe.

Ah, the story of these purple sweet potato dessert balls begins with my grandmother, who was as colorful and spirited as the purple sweet potatoes themselves. As a child, I’d spend summers at her cozy cottage by the sea, where she taught me the art of cooking with the treasures from her vibrant garden.

One day, she presented me with a bowl of these sweet, purple-hued balls, a recipe passed down from her own mother. They were soft, sweet, and utterly delicious.

She explained that during hard times, when treats were scarce, her mother would make these with sweet potatoes as they were affordable and nutritious. Years later, I’ve lovingly carried on this tradition.

Every time I roll these dessert balls in my hands, I feel the warmth of her kitchen, the smell of sea salt in the air, and the love that she kneaded into every recipe she shared with me.

Not only are they a feast for the eyes, but they’re also a treasure trove of nutrients, thanks to the star ingredient: purple sweet potatoes.

Nutritional Facts

Each of these little balls of joy is relatively low in calories but high in nutritional value, here’s a rough estimate per serving:

• Calories: 100-120
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Vitamin A: 70% DV
• Vitamin C: 20% DV

Total Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized purple sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup rice flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Coconut flakes or powdered sugar for coating
• Optional fillings: chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or sweet bean paste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Wash the purple sweet potatoes thoroughly and boil them in a pot of water until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let them cool.
2. Mash and Mix: Peel the sweet potatoes and mash them until there are no lumps. Stir in coconut milk, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, rice flour, and salt. Combine until you have a smooth, dough-like consistency.
3. Shape the Balls: Take a tablespoon of the sweet potato mixture and flatten it in your palm. Add your choice of filling if desired, then roll it into a ball. Dust your hands with rice flour if the mixture is sticky.
4. Coat the Balls: Roll the balls in coconut flakes or powdered sugar until they’re nicely coated.
5. Chill and Serve: Place the sweet potato balls in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set. They can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Helpful Resources on for this Purple Sweet Potato Dessert Recipe:

• More about us at: Old Fashioned Cravings
• All of our healthy recipes
• What You Need To Know About The Purple Sweet Potato
• More about Okinawa, Japan the Blue Zone

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are purple sweet potato good for?

In my culinary explorations, I’ve learned that the Japanese savor purple sweet potatoes in a variety of ways. They often enjoy them simply steamed or roasted, which brings out their natural sweetness, making for a healthy and delicious snack.

Additionally, they incorporate these vibrant tubers into traditional confections such as sweet potato cakes, pastries, and the ever-popular sweet treat known as “imo kenpi” — candied sweet potato fries.

What is the purple sweet potato flavor called?

The unique flavor of purple sweet potatoes is often referred to as “ube” (pronounced oo-beh). While technically ube refers to a specific type of purple yam commonly used in Filipino cuisine, the term has been widely adopted to describe the rich, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor of purple sweet potatoes as well.

This delicious taste is a favorite in desserts, lending its distinctive hue and flavor to ice creams, cakes, and pastries.

Do purple sweet potatoes spike blood sugar?

Purple sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index compared to regular white potatoes, meaning they tend to cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels.

Their high fiber content helps in this regard, as it slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Therefore, they are considered a better option for blood sugar control when eaten in moderation.

Wrap-Up

These Violet Velvet Delights are an excellent way to end any meal on a sweet note or to have as a snack throughout the day. They’re not just tasty; they’re filled with the goodness of purple sweet potatoes, making them a healthy option when you’re craving something sweet.

Enjoy making these little treats and watch them disappear before your eyes! Happy cooking!