Sweet Candied Sweet Potatoes (Goguma Mattang) – Sugar-Free Delight
Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Candies Made with Natural Stevia Sweetener
Sweet potatoes, historically valued as a vital crop in Korea since the late Joseon Dynasty, are now celebrated for their abundance of dietary fiber and healthy carbohydrates, making them a popular choice for diet-conscious individuals. They are also rich in protein, potassium, and calcium, which contribute to lowering cholesterol levels, promoting beneficial gut bacteria, and improving digestive health, thereby aiding in constipation relief. However, the high sugar content in many sweet potato dishes can be a concern for those monitoring their blood sugar. This recipe offers a delightful solution: ‘Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Candies’ that allow you to savor the natural sweetness without the worry of added sugar. I was inspired to make this after seeing it featured on a TV show, and it’s a healthy, delicious alternative.
Main Ingredients- 2 steamed sweet potatoes
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp stevia
- 1 Tbsp black sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the star of our dish: 2 sweet potatoes. After washing them thoroughly, place them in a pot with a piece of dried kelp at the bottom. Add enough water to cover the sweet potatoes about halfway. Steam or boil over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until they become tender when pierced with a fork. If you prefer, you can also use a steamer.
Step 2
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, allow them to cool slightly. This helps prevent them from breaking apart when you cut them. The skins are packed with nutrients, so it’s recommended to wash them very well and use them with the skin on. Cut the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm (approximately 1 inch).
Step 3
Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. It contains a compound called stevioside, which is about 300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia is widely used as a sugar substitute, allowing you to enjoy sweetness without the calories or concerns about blood sugar spikes. In this recipe, we’ll use stevia to achieve a healthy sweetness.
Step 4
Next, prepare the black sesame seeds, which will add a lovely nutty flavor and texture to your sweet potato candies. Make sure they are clean and dry.
Step 5
Now, let’s begin stir-frying the sweet potatoes. Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the cut sweet potato pieces. Stir-fry for about 10 minutes to help evaporate some of the moisture and give them a slightly crisp exterior. To avoid mashing the sweet potatoes, it’s better to gently shake or rotate the pan rather than stirring vigorously with a utensil. If you don’t have avocado oil, any cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as grapeseed or canola oil, will work.
Step 6
Once the sweet potatoes are lightly golden and slightly firm, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of stevia. The heat from the sweet potatoes will cause the stevia to dissolve quickly, coating the pieces in a sweet glaze. Stir gently to ensure the sweet coating evenly distributes over the sweet potatoes.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the prepared black sesame seeds over the sweet potato candies for a finishing touch. The nutty aroma and crunch of the sesame seeds will enhance the overall flavor and texture. Serve immediately while warm for a delightful treat that’s slightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
