MAGNIFICENT MATANG

Matang

Matang is sweet, candied sweet potatoes typically topped with syrup and black sesame seeds. The syrup is made from sugar and oil, and adds flavor as it sticks to the potato. It’s best served hot, when you can fully experience its crunchiness on the outside and softness on the inside.

Matang originates from Korea, but its history and time of origin is unknown. The dish is significant to me because my family would eat it occasionally as a tasty dessert. Dealing with the leftover oil from the frying process is a hassle, but it’s fun to gather the family together once the syrup has cooled and eat together.

Whenever I eat matang, I am reminded of when I was little and would fight with my sister for the last piece of potato. To me, matang is unforgettable in taste and texture, and never ceases to be a reminder of family and good times.

Recipe:

Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients:

1. 4 Sweet Potato

2. ½ a Cup of Sugar

3. 1 ½ Cups of Oil

Instructions:

1. Peel the sweet potatoes (ensure all skin is taken off)

2. Cut the sweet potatoes into 1-2 inch wide triangular wedges

3. Pour 1 ¼ cups of oil into a large pan and heat it on high power for one minute

4. Carefully place the sweet potatoes into the pan. Make sure that every piece is covered with oil

5. Fry for 10 minutes, or until the potato turns golden brown and crispy

6. Place a paper towel onto a plate and transfer the fried potatoes to the plate

7. Leave the fire on and dispose of the oil

8. Pour ½ cup of sugar and ¼ cup of oil into the pan

9. Stir the mixture continuously for 8 minutes, or until it goes from white to a light brown

10. Once the syrup is done, leave the fire on and place the potatoes back into the pan

11. Stir the syrup and potatoes until the syrup has layered the potatoes evenly

12. Place matang on a plate and wait 3 minutes for it to cool

13. Enjoy!

#Korean #Asia