Easy African Sweet Potato Patties

I found this recipe in a truly beautiful cookbook called 'World Food Cafe 2' which features vegetarian recipes from around the world alongside stunning photographs.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 10  ounces sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 10  ounces potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 2  teaspoons cumin seeds
• 2  inches cinnamon sticks
• 6  cloves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2  tablespoons  sunflower oil
• 1  medium onion, diced
• 1  small  red pepper, diced
• 4  ounces  sweet corn
• 1  tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons butter
• 1  egg, beaten
• 1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Place to potatoes in a saucepan of boiling water and simmer until soft.
2. Meanwhile dry roast the cumin seeds, cinnamon and cloves in a small frying pan until aromatic, remove from pan and grind to a powder.
3. Combine with the remaining spices.
4. Heat the oil in a wok.
5. When hot, add the onion and pepper and fry until soft.
6. Add the sweet corn and ginger, saute for a couple of minutes, and then stir in the spice mix.
7. Fry for 1 minutes and then remove from heat.
8. Drain the potatoes and mash, with knob of butter, until smooth.
9. Then stir in the spice and vegetable mix, the beaten egg, chopped cilantro and salt to taste.
10. Shape the mixture into patties and fry in a non-stick pan with a little sunflower oil until brown on both sides.
11. Serve.