Name: Homemade Sweet Potato Tots with Red Lentils Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491136H15M45S
Total time: PT-491136H15M45S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (about one 8-oz medium-sized sweet potato); 1/2 cup uncooked red lentils; 1 cup no salt-added vegetable broth (can also use chicken broth); 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs (can substitute gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour); 1-2 teaspoons oil (for brushing or spraying); 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional); Additional spices or herbs as desired (e.g. cumin, chili powder, fresh parsley)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 12 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and wholesome snack that brings together the comforting sweetness of sweet potatoes with the hearty goodness of red lentils, then you’ve absolutely got to try this Homemade Sweet Potato Tots with Red Lentils Recipe. These tots are a delightful twist on the classic tater tot, bursting with fiber, protein, and vibrant flavors that both kids and adults will adore. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious snack or a colorful side dish, these golden bites bring warmth, health, and irresistible crispiness to your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with five distinct layers of ingredients arranged separately inside. The largest portion on the left shows soft, chunky, light beige mashed lentils with a rough texture. On the upper right is a mound of finely shredded white panko breadcrumbs with a fluffy feel. Just below the breadcrumbs is a bright orange shredded layer of sweet potatoes with a slightly wet texture. Overlapping a bit with the sweet potatoes is a small pile of fine white powder, likely dry seasoning, and next to it is a small heap of reddish-brown powder, possibly paprika or chili powder. The ingredients are clearly separated, showing their different colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s infusing rich flavor, creating the perfect texture, or adding that appealing golden hue that makes these tots so inviting.

Sweet potatoes (1 cup cooked and mashed): The naturally sweet and creamy base that forms the heart of these tots.
Red lentils (1/2 cup uncooked): Packed with protein and fiber, they add a subtle nutty flavor and help bind the tots together.
Vegetable broth (1 cup no salt-added): Adds moisture and depth of flavor while cooking the lentils.
Paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon each): Your flavor dream team, providing warmth and a mild kick without overpowering the natural sweetness.
Panko bread crumbs or alternative (1/3 cup): The secret to achieving a delightful crunch that holds everything together.
Cooking oil spray or brush (1-2 teaspoons): Helps create that golden, crispy exterior we all crave.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon, optional): To enhance all the wonderful flavors, added to your taste.

How to Make Homemade Sweet Potato Tots with Red Lentils Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Sweet Potato

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pierce the sweet potato gently with a fork and bake it directly on the oven rack for about 45 to 50 minutes until it’s tender. If you’re short on time, a microwave works too—just give it about 6 to 10 minutes until soft to the touch. Once cooled a bit, peel off the skin and mash the sweet potato until it’s smooth and silky. This creates the sweet, velvety base your tots need to shine.

Step 2: Cook the Red Lentils

While the sweet potato is doing its magic in the oven, add your red lentils to a saucepan with the vegetable broth. Bring them to a boil and then turn the heat down low to simmer, covered, until the liquid is nearly absorbed—about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the lentils rest, still covered, for an additional 10 minutes; this ensures they’re perfectly tender and ready to blend harmoniously with the sweet potato.

Step 3: Combine and Flavor

Once your lentils have cooled slightly, combine them with the mashed sweet potato in a medium bowl. Sprinkle in the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, panko breadcrumbs, and salt if using. Mix everything together, either with your hands or a sturdy spoon, until you have a thick, moldable mixture. This step is fun and tactile—you’ll start to really see the tot’s personality take shape!

Step 4: Shape the Tots

Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into approximately 18 little croquettes, about 2 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place each one on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. To get that perfect golden crunch, spray or brush a little oil over the tops of all your tots.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Bake your tots in the 400-degree Fahrenheit oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure an even golden crisp all around. You’re looking for a slightly crisp outside with a tender, flavorful inside—a combo that will keep you coming back for more.

How to Serve Homemade Sweet Potato Tots with Red Lentils Recipe

A clear rectangular container is filled with eighteen oval-shaped patties stacked in three layers, each patty having a rough texture with a golden-orange color. Each patty has dark brown, slightly charred grill marks on top, arranged in a grid pattern. The patties show some uneven surface details, giving a rustic look. The container is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your tots, sprinkle them with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives just before serving. A dusting of smoked paprika or a pinch of flaky sea salt also adds a beautiful finishing touch. Don’t underestimate how a little garnish can make these tots really pop and feel extra special!

Side Dishes

These tots work beautifully alongside everything from vibrant green salads and steamed veggies to protein-packed mains like grilled tofu or baked chicken. They’re versatile enough to be part of a casual snack spread or a complete meal sidekick. Try pairing them with a creamy avocado dip or a tangy yogurt sauce for a delightful flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Serve your tots stacked in a mini tower with alternating layers of sliced avocado and cherry tomatoes. Or make “tot sliders” by sandwiching them between small buns with your favorite condiments. They also make excellent finger food for parties—just provide an assortment of dips and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, place any leftover tots in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or side dishes during the week.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, these tots freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months without losing their flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat from frozen or refrigerated by popping them back in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This restores their crispy exterior while warming the inside just right—no soggy tots here!

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils for this recipe?

While red lentils work best because they cook down soft and blend easily, you can use yellow lentils as a substitute. Just remember to adjust cooking times to ensure tenderness.

Are these tots gluten-free?

They can be made gluten-free by swapping the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour, making them safe and delicious for those avoiding gluten.

Can I bake these without oil?

Although oil helps create a crispy crust, you can skip it if you prefer. Your tots might be a little less golden and crunchy but will still taste wonderful and hold together well.

Is it possible to make these tots vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan since it uses plant-based ingredients only. Just make sure your breadcrumbs are vegan too.

How long does it take to make these tots from start to finish?

Including baking the sweet potato and cooking the lentils, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 25 minutes total time, with most of that being hands-off while ingredients cook and bake beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Homemade Sweet Potato Tots with Red Lentils Recipe enough—it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, tasty snack or side with very little fuss. Plus, the combination of sweet potatoes and lentils brings together sweet, savory, and hearty flavors that feel just like home. Give these tots a try, share them with your loved ones, and watch them become a new family favorite!