Sweet potato & coconut nuggets

Training: Body Pump / Run 2km

   

Today was very much a “grown- up” day.

An early start, back to back meetings, telephone conferences, various telephone calls to service providers. You get the drift…

So, by the time I got home, to say that I wanted to step away from it all is an understatement.

Step away from meetings, and replace them with kitty cuddles.

Step away from paperwork, and replace it with trash TV.

Step away from 'grown up' responsibilities, and jump into the kitchen.

Ok - so that last one is perhaps still a little 'grown up'.  But perhaps not so much when you are making one of your favourite childhood treats for dinner...

chicken nuggets!

Only these chicken nuggets have no chicken!

Rather, they are packed with sweet potato! Unusual – yes – but super easy to make.

Flaxmeal, chia seeds, coconut butter, cumin, cinnamon and an egg, combined with the softened sweet potato.

Shaped into ‘nuggets’…

Dipped into egg white…

 

and rolled in corn crumbs.

Until well coated.

Placed on a lined baking tray and lightly sprayed with a little olive oil spray…

Baked for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

The result?

Crispy golden brown nuggets!

Crunchy on the outside, yet soft and sweet on the inside.

And, best of all,  packed with flavour despite the short ingredient list!

 

I was so excited how these turned out. The cinnamon added a nice hint of sweetness, that worked wonderfully with the subtle coconut flavour.

But then again, you cant really go wrong when it comes to the sweet potato, coconut and cinnamon flavour combination!

I think they would also make a really nice party appetiser and I am already thinking up other flavour combinations….sundried tomato perhaps?

Tonight, I served these with a side of vegetables for dinner, but not before sneaking a few off the plate…you know…for quality assurance purposes ;)

Eaten how all good nuggets should be.

With a good ‘dip’ into the tomato sauce bowl :)

 

Yep….its official!

I am 100% sure the 'not so grown up’ me would also have approved!

Sweet Potato & Coconut Nuggets (makes 12-14) – gluten free

These nuggets, a healthy take on a childhood favourite, are packed with REAL ingredients. Vegetarian, gluten free, and super easy to make, you’ll find that you will not be able to stop at one…or two….or three. You’ve been warned ;)

• 600g sweet potato, steamed and mashed
• 1 tbs chia seeds
• 1 tbs flaxmeal
• 1 tbs coconut butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 egg
• 2 egg whites
• 0.5 to 1 cup corn crumbs
• olive oil spray

1. Preheat oven to 190C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Combine mashed potato, chia seeds, flaxmeal, coconut butter, spices and egg until well combined.
3. Divide into 12 – 14 portions, then flatten slightly.
4. Meanwhile, place egg whites in one bowl, and the corn crumbs in another.
5. One at a time, dip the nugget into the egg white, then roll in the corn crumbs until well covered. Place on the lined baking tray. Repeat. Spray lightly with olive oil spray.
6. Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.

What about you? What was your favourite childhood snack?

Happy Baking :)