Mbatata recipe is a traditional Malawian dessert that is simple but tasty. However, the cookies are unique, unlike any regular variation you may find out there.

The treat is highly nutritious, with a spongy texture, and mildly sweet taste. So for those who don’t like high sugar desserts, Mbatata is a great pick.

Why Mbatata?

Mbatata is a highly nutritious cookie. If you have a sweet tooth and looking for a healthy treat, Mbatata is the way to go.

Usually, the dessert is prepared with sweet potatoes, flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, and milk.  To give the cookie a twist raisin, and cinnamon may be added.

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History of Mbatata Recipe

Cookies date back to 7^th century Ad Persian. By the 14^th century, the treat became popular across Europe and eventually became dessert for holiday makers.

As time went by, the recipes evolved, with most modern cookie styles coming to birth as early as 18^th century. New and improved recipes were introduced across the globe. Today, the treat is not only available in bakery stores, but also popular street food.

Read Also: How To Bake Benne Cookies| African Cuisine

However, there is no documented information as to when the Mbatata recipe was introduced to Malawi. The recipe uses traditional ingredients and can be customized to suit your needs. You can get creative and add other ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, and nuts to give it your preferred twist. 

And what’s more, the recipe is simple for any rookie baker to pull off.  To help you bring the taste of Malawian cuisine, we have prepared a detailed Mbatata recipe. Pull a chair and read this to the end. Let’s dive right in.

Ingredients

4 sweet potatoes (cleaned, peeled, and cut into small pieces)

½ tsp cinnamon powder

10tbsp butter

1/2 tsp salt

2 ½ cups baking flour (sifted)

1 cup of milk

4 tbsp sugar

Guide

1. Put your sweet potatoes in a cooking pot and add water until fully covered. Simmer and cook until soft. Drain the water and set it aside.
2. Add your baking flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder to a mixer. Mix the ingredients at low speeds.
3. Transfer the potatoes to a food processor. Add ¼ cup of the milk, and blend into a thick consistency.
4. Add your milk and potatoes puree to the mixer. Add your melted butter and mix for about five minutes.
5. Pour the remaining milk and continue mixing until you get a thick consistency.
6. Preheat your oven up to 180⁰ C.  
7. Lightly flour a clean flat surface and roll your dough with a rolling pin to 1 cm thickness. Use a cookie cutter and cut your cookies.

1. Grease your baking sheet and place your cookies. Bake until light brown. Place on a cooling rack to cool completely.
2. Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon while warm and wait to cool to enjoy.

Mbatata recipe is your go-to treat for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a travel snack, an accompaniment for your breakfast, a dessert for any meal, or a treat for a special occasion, Mbatata comes in handy.