Sweetmeat Balls: A Delicious Twist on a Traditional Mung and Jaggery Delight
Sweetmeat Balls are an irresistible treat that blends the rich flavors of mung beans, sweet potatoes, and honey into a crispy, golden ball of joy. Inspired by a beloved family recipe that traditionally uses mung and jaggery, this variation uses healthier, lighter ingredients to offer a fresh take on the classic snack. Whether you’re craving a mid-day snack, a special treat for tea time, or a nutritious addition to your lunch, these Sweetmeat Balls are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and satisfying.
This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, thanks to the inclusion of buckwheat flour and sweet potatoes, which are both packed with health benefits. The soft and gooey interior filled with mung and honey balances perfectly with the light, crispy batter on the outside. What’s even better is that this dish is low in cholesterol and fat, making it a guilt-free indulgence that everyone will love.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Buckwheat flour | 1 cup |
| Mashed sweet potatoes | 2 medium |
| Cherries | 10-12 |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 186.1 kcal |
| Fat Content | 0.9 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 21.9 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 36 g |
| Fiber Content | 8.1 g |
| Sugar Content | 5.4 g |
| Protein Content | 10.4 g |
Servings: 12 Balls
Instructions
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Prepare the Flour Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, add the buckwheat flour and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
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Add Water Gradually: Slowly pour in water, a little at a time, mixing the flour continuously to form a thick batter. The consistency should be like a pancake batter—neither too thick nor too runny. Set the batter aside and let it rest.
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Cook the Mung Beans: Place the mung beans in a pressure cooker. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the beans have softened, making sure to let out five whistles during the cooking process. Once cooked, drain any excess water and allow the beans to cool down to room temperature.
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Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture: While the mung beans are cooling, take the mashed sweet potatoes in a separate plate. Add the cooled mung beans to the sweet potatoes, and then drizzle in the honey. Mix everything together well to form a soft, smooth dough. The dough should be pliable and sticky enough to form into small balls.
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Add Cherries for Extra Flavor: Chop the cherries into small pieces and fold them into the dough. The cherries will provide a burst of sweetness and texture to every bite of the sweetmeat balls.
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Shape the Balls: Take a small amount of dough and shape it into medium-sized balls—aim for around 10 to 12 balls, depending on your preferred size. These should be round and smooth for even frying.
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Coat in Flour Batter: Once all the balls are shaped, dip each ball into the flour batter, making sure to coat each one evenly. This coating will create a crispy, golden crust when fried.
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Heat the Oil: Heat enough oil in a wok or deep frying pan to submerge the balls. The oil should be hot but not smoking. A good test is to drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
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Fry the Sweetmeat Balls: Carefully drop the coated balls into the hot oil. Be gentle to avoid splashing the hot oil. Fry the balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn a light golden color. Do not let them brown or become overly crispy, as they should remain soft and delicate on the inside.
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Drain and Serve: Once the balls have a light golden color, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
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Enjoy: Serve the Sweetmeat Balls hot with a warm cup of tea or as a sweet snack at any time of day. These treats are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored for a day or two.
Why You’ll Love These Sweetmeat Balls
- Healthy Ingredients: This recipe swaps out traditional deep-fried dough for a lighter buckwheat flour batter, keeping things low in fat and cholesterol while still delivering the delicious texture you crave.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of honey and cherries blends harmoniously with the savory mung beans and soft, buttery sweet potatoes, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Low in Cholesterol: With no added cholesterol and a minimal amount of fat, these sweetmeat balls make a great addition to any healthy eating plan.
- Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a last-minute snack or a quick treat to share with family and friends.
- Versatile: While they’re delicious on their own, these sweetmeat balls can also be paired with other dishes like savory curries or used as a side dish for lunch.
Whether you’re new to this recipe or you’ve had it passed down through generations, Sweetmeat Balls are sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of textures, flavors, and nutrients makes them an ideal snack for any time of day. Their versatility means you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, whether you want them extra sweet or prefer a more savory version.
So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack, look no further than these Sweetmeat Balls. They’re simple to make, and guaranteed to leave everyone coming back for more!
