We love October at London Tiger Coffee: the weather is so gentle; there are still lots of visitors in town; there is plenty of nightlife and more room in the restaurants and bars; and it’s Batata Doce (sweet potato) season in the Algarve.
WORDS the Lazy Tigers
Could there be a more versatile vegetable? Especially for the congenitally lazy? And consider the nutritional benefits: lower in calories than regular spuds, you can bake, fry, and sauté them, they are high in fibre and have more potassium than bananas. We say sweet potato fries are practically a health food.
Lots of local restaurants have sweet potato dishes on offer, but if you feel like something incredibly easy at home, can we suggest a tray bake? This recipe can be made with sausages, chicken, or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
But what about sweet sweet potato dishes, we hear you ask. Look no further than cookies that are chock full of good things, and although there is a long list of ingredients, are very much a ‘chuck it all in’ recipe.
Sad to say, but we couldn’t find a sweet potato cocktail, although we aren’t sure of the market potential for that. What we do have is a lovely autumnal chocolate cocktail that really packs a punch (or perhaps it is a punch!)
Have a great time in Lagos this October. Go to the beach: remember the water is perfect now and the sand is sometimes virtually empty. Don’t forget the Rota de Petisco is still on till the 16th of the month. Join in anywhere you see the signs for great tapas, sweets, and drinks. Plus, do not forget to come and visit us in the old town at London Tiger Coffee.
Sweet potato and sausage traybake
Serves 4
- 2 tbsp olive oil (regular not virgin)
- 8 nice big sausages, or 4 chicken breasts cut in half, or 400grams of Tofu
- 500grams of sweet potato (one really big one in large chunks)
- 3 peppers (red, orange, but not green, again in chunks)
- 2 onions (any kind in wedges)
- 8 cloves of garlic (bashed)
- 3 stalks of some woody herb like thyme or rosemary or both
Place all the ingredients in a baking tray and make sure everything is covered in the oil.
Put the protein element on top of the vegetables. Place in oven at 200C/180ºC fan for 25 mins.
Turn everything around to make sure it bakes evenly then return for approx. another 20 minutes depending on whether you have sausages, chicken, or tofu. Season to taste and serve with a salad.
Sweet potato, oats, and chocolate chip cookies
Makes approx. 15
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 240 grams of plain flour
- 130 grams of rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp each of ground nutmeg and ginger
- 112 grams of butter
- 220 grams of sugar (any kind)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 250 grams of chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate
Chop and boil the potatoes for about 15 minutes until tender, then mash and cool a little. Combine the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and add the warmish (but not hot) potato mixture.
Combine all the dry ingredients and add to the potato mixture, then fold in the chocolate. Line a tray with oven paper and scoop the dough into balls well spread out .
Bake at 175ºC for 10 to 12 minutes until slightly crisp on the outside. They should still be soft in the centre.
Irish chocolate nightcap
Makes 1
- 25ml of orange liqueur (any kind)
- 25ml of whisky
- 200ml of stout (It’s good for you)
- Chocolate orange shavings (It’s not Terry’s, it’s mine)
In a short glass, mix the orange liqueur and whisky, then top up with the stout. Sprinkle the chocolate orange shavings on top and add ice if you fancy it.
