Indulge in the tropical flavors of the Dominican Republic with our authentic recipe for Batata Frita. These delightful sweet potato fries are a beloved snack or side dish enjoyed across the Caribbean. Sliced sweet potatoes are perfectly seasoned and fried to crispy perfection, offering a tantalizing blend of sweetness and savory goodness in every bite. Whether served as an appetizer, alongside your favorite entrees, or simply enjoyed on their own, these Batata Frita will transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of the Dominican Republic. Unlock the secrets of Caribbean cuisine with this easy-to-follow recipe and savor a taste of paradise today!

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: additional seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for added flavor

Instructions:

1- Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. You can cut them into traditional fry shapes or into thicker wedges, depending on your preference.

2- Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This helps to remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.

3- After soaking, drain the sweet potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

4- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).

5- Carefully add the sweet potato fries to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

6- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fries from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

7- While the fries are still hot, season them generously with salt and any additional seasonings of your choice, such as paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.

8- Serve the Batata Frita immediately as a side dish or snack, and enjoy the delicious flavors of the Dominican Republic!

Note: Be cautious when frying and handling hot oil. Make sure to follow safety precautions and use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil for best results.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients used in making Dominican Republic Batata Frita:

Sweet Potatoes (per 1 cup, sliced, raw):

• Calories: 114
• Total Fat: 0.1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 73mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 2g

benefits:

• Rich source of vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.
• High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.
• Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Provides essential minerals like potassium, which is important for heart health and muscle function.

Vegetable Oil (per 1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Provides energy for the body and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E, and K.
• Can help improve skin health and maintain moisture levels when used topically.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the size of the sweet potatoes and the amount of oil absorbed during frying. Additionally, the nutritional values do not include any additional seasonings or toppings that may be added to the Batata Frita.