These Sweet Potato Coconut Balls, steeped in childhood memories, are the simplest, most nutritious dessert I can ever think of! VEGAN+GF!
When I was growing up, every Sunday afternoon we’d go visit my maternal grandmother after lunch. It was fun, because like all grandmothers, she absolutely spoiled us with all kinds of food. She even invented a new dish for my brother – Poori stuffed with kesari! I’ll explain that another day. But amongst all the delicacies, this Sweet Potato Coconut balls stands out, just because of its sheer simplicity.
If you’ve been a regular reader on this blog, you’ll know my long-standing affair with sweet potato. It is soo much more nutritious than a regular potato, and my mother insisted we include it in our regular diet. And rightly so, the woman is always right!
And even if you’re not a big fan of sweet potato, I beg you to give this one a try. I’ve always made this simple, nutritious, 3 ingredient dessert using Asian sweet potatoes (which have purple skin and a white-ish interior) because that’s the kind we got in India. But I’m sure the orange-ish sweet potato should work just as fine in this.
Why is it shaped into a ball? Because my grandmother lived in a huge house with a large compound that we spend hours running around on, climbing trees, jumping off ledges, etc. And these Sweet Potato Coconut balls were more portable to enjoy on the move! Not a huge fan of getting your hands dirty? Serve it up on a plate and eat with a spoon. Tastes just as good. Ok nope, all of that was poppycock. We had way more fun eating it while running around as only kids could on a Sunday afternoon.
Yumm! And very, very nutritious. Did I also mention 3 ingredients? Serve it up chilled on a warm day, with the coconut and sugar coating giving a gorgeous contrast in texture to the creamy smooth sweet potato!
Note: While cooking the sweet potato, do not slice or poke holes. We don’t want to introduce any moisture to the potato. It would get too runny to be able to shape into balls. I use a pressure cooker to cook my potatoes (1-2 whistles should do)
When you make these (which I really think you SHOULD!), be sure to SHARE YOUR PHOTOS with me through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I’d love to see what you cook from here and will share it with pride on my social media feeds.
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Suchi Modi says
OMG This is the simplest dessert!! And I have a japanese sweet potato (one we get in India) hanging in basket for ages… This is happening on tuesday Tina.
Tina Dawson says
Make it happen Suchi! It’s super simple, and crazy delish! 🙂
Luci's Morsels says
These look delicious and I love the sweet story about your grandmother.
Tina Dawson says
Thanks so much Luci!
Cliona Keane says
Yum! I love the idea of sweet potato coconut balls, they look like the perfect snack or starter!
Tina Dawson says
Thanks Cilona!
Emily says
Wow these sound amazing and only 3 ingredients! It’s actually quite hard to find sweet potato in Italy, not sure why but I LOVE them. When I next see them I’m totally trying this!
Tina Dawson says
Please do Emily! They’re quite delicious!
Brandi Crawford says
I love sweet potatoes. What a fabulous idea. These look so yummy.
Tina Dawson says
Thanks Brandi! They sure are!
Jessy @ The Life Jolie says
That texture looks so delicious and reminds me of classic comfort food! Yum!
Tina Dawson says
Amen to that, Jessy! Thanks!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
Wow, I’ve never tasted anything like this, and your photos are just stunning!
Tina Dawson says
Awww thanks Sue! And as you can see, it’s playfully simple! Next time you’re at the market, pick up a sweet potato! 🙂