Malawian Mbatata- Sweet Potato Cookies capture the heart of African comfort food. I made this dish for one of my best friends. She has spent a lot of time in Malawi and fallen in love with the country.
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Mbatata – Sweet potato cookies recipe
Mbatata cookies are sweet potato cakes from Malawi. People make them for special occasions. The cookies are heart-shaped because Malawi is known as ‘the warm heart of Africa.’ These sweet potato cookies highlight Malawian agriculture and hospitality.
Mbatata is considered a healthier alternative to traditional cookies due to sweet potatoes. These vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can find this ingredient in many Asian dishes, such as Candied Sweet Potatoes from Japan.
My cookies turned out more like cakes. I made two large hearts rather than lots of little ones. I used tropical fruits for a caramelized mango filling. This dessert is not very sweet. Tropical flavors match well with Mbatata cookies. The cookies are very filling, so you may need to share one.
I hope my Mbatata sweet potato cookie impresses my friend. Here is how to make Mbatata – sweet potato cookies:
Malawian Mbatata Sweet Potato Cookies with Coconut Cream
Ingredients
For the Mbatata Biscuits
- 1 medium-sized sweet potato
- 1 tbsp butter
- 20 ml milk
- 80 g self-raising flour I used a gluten-free blend
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp caster sugar
- ½ a fresh mango chopped into small pieces
For the Coconut Cream
- 2 tbsp Coconut cream
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Icing sugar
Instructions
- Peel, chop and boil the sweet potato until tender.
- Drain and mash with the butter and milk. Leave to cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 180oC and line a baking tray.
- Stir the flour, sugar and cinnamon into the potato mixture until all ingredients are combined.
- With lightly floured hands, bring the mixture together into a ball and leave to rest for a few mins.
- Meanwhile, make the caramelized mangos by putting the mango pieces in a pan with 3 tbsp caster sugar. Stir sugar until it begins to dissolve. Leave to cook for about 10 minutes until the caramel is just golden. Remove from heat.
- Take half the potato mixture at a time and make two heart shapes on the baking tray. Make a heart-shaped indent in the centre of each and spoon in the caramelised mangos.
- Bake for 25-30 mins.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the coconut cream, Greek yoghurt and icing sugar.
- Serve the cakes warm from the oven. Drizzle over the coconut cream just before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
SIMILAR RECIPES
How to pair
Mbatata cookies are paired with a variety of foods and beverages for enhanced enjoyment.
- Mango juice enhances the cookies’ fruity notes.
- Black coffee balances the sweetness.
- A creamy latte is a rich option.
- Pineapple juice creates a refreshing contrast.
- Tropical smoothie is a delightful pairing.
- Herbal tea makes a light afternoon snack.
- Vanilla or coconut ice cream is a great pair.
- Caramelized mango compote is drizzled over the cookies.
Variations
Mbatata, or sweet potato cookies, originates from Malawi. Its variations can also be found in Zimbabwe. Here’s a look at some of the different versions and ingredients used in these cookies.
- Spiced cookies use cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to enhance flavor.
- Sweet potato chocolate chip cookies add chocolate chips for rich sweetness.
- Nutty versions include nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Marshmallow addition adds marshmallow in the center for a gooey surprise.
- Healthy sweet potato oatmeal cookie uses oatmeal.
- Vegan sweet potato oatmeal cookies combine only oatmeal and sweet potato puree. This recipe is simple and flourless.