These mashed sweet potatoes are formed into balls, rolled in a spicy egg white mixture, and then rolled in chopped pecans. They are a delicious make-ahead alternative to marshmallow, butter, and sugar-laden sweet potato casseroles.
Peel and cut 2 pounds sweet potatoes, fresh into half-inch slices. Place them into a covered pot with 6 tablespoons water. Cook over medium-low heat, occasionally stirring until potatoes are soft. It usually takes 20-25 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool and dry for a few minutes. Mash with a fork or potato masher. (Do not use a mixer, food processor, or immersion blender as they will cause sweet potatoes to be too soft.)
Season with ½ teaspoon salt and dash cayenne pepper.
Preheat oven to 400˚ F (200˚C). Prepare a cookie sheet by covering it with parchment paper, a silicone mat, or grease it well.
Mix 2 large egg whites, 1 teaspoon water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with a fork until frothy. Add 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon cayenne. Mix well.
Spread 2 cups finely chopped pecans on a piece of wax paper or a plate.
Make sweet potato balls using a spring-loaded ice cream scoop. I like balls between ⅛ to ¼ cup size. (Surgical gloves are really helpful here.) Drop balls one at a time into the egg white mixture with a slotted spoon making sure the whole ball gets coated. Then cover each ball with finely-chopped pecans.
Place on a prepared cookie sheet. Brush with 3 tablespoons butter, melted.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until nuts become toasty and balls are heated through.
Notes
If you have any of the egg white mixture left over, here's an idea. Add a tablespoon of melted butter to the mixture and stir. Add more pecans--1/2 cup. Pour onto a greased or silicone mat-covered baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until toasty. These are so good crumbled over a salad. Or....you could eat them straight up as I do.
The nutritional estimates on this recipe may be a little high because you will probably have a little bit of the egg mixture and butter left over after making the balls.