Daigaku Imo (Japanese Candied Sweet Potatoes)

May 27, 2023May 27, 20230 0

Traditional Japanese recipe for delicious Daigaku Imo

Daigaku Imo (Japanese Candied Sweet Potatoes)

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

30 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	1 lb sweet potato , cut-up in serving sizes and soaked in water
	vegetable oil or canola oil ( for frying )
	1 cup white sugar ( or you can use brown sugar )
	1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons oil
	2 tablespoons sesame seeds , toasted

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

450

Sugar

45g

Fat

10g

Daigaku Imo, also known as Japanese Candied Sweet Potatoes, is a popular snack and dessert in Japan. It originated in the early 1900s when university students would sell these sweet treats on the streets to raise money for school. The dish has since become a much-loved classic in Japanese cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Traditional Daigaku Imo is made with fried sweet potatoes coated in a caramel sauce and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. The sweet and nutty flavors of this dish make it a perfect dessert for colder months.

Instructions

1.	Drain the soaked sweet potato and pat it dry with paper towels.
2.	Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry the sweet potatoes over medium heat until done.
3.	In a separate pan, heat the white sugar and oil over medium heat and keep stirring until it becomes a caramel sauce.
4.	Add the fried sweet potatoes to the caramel sauce and stir well to ensure every piece is coated.
5.	Turn off the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds over the sweet potatoes.

PROS

Daigaku Imo is a simple and easy-to-make dessert that is both crispy and sticky, making for a delightful textural experience.
The flavors of the caramel sauce and the toasted sesame seeds perfectly balance the sweetness of the potatoes.

CONS

These candied sweet potatoes are a high-calorie and high-sugar dessert.
It is recommended to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Sweet potatoes are known to be rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are a great source of antioxidants and have been linked to improving blood sugar control, reducing the risk of heart disease, and aiding in digestion. However, the addition of caramel sauce and sugar means that this dessert should be enjoyed in moderation.