Potato, Carrot and Sweetcorn Balls

1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
½ onion, peeled and chopped
1 tsp freshly chopped thyme
70g (21⁄2oz) fresh breadcrumbs or wheat- or gluten-free breadcrumbs
30g (1oz) Cheddar cheese or dairy-free alternative, grated
½ tsp sweet chilli sauce
3 tbsp tinned sweetcorn, frozen or canned without sugar or salt
Plain flour or gluten-free flour
1 tbsp sunflower oil