Description
These homemade sweet potato tots are a delicious, nutrient-packed snack or side dish perfect for both kids and adults. Made with mashed sweet potatoes and protein-rich red lentils, these tots are seasoned with paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder for full flavor. They bake up crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside, making them a great healthier alternative to traditional tater tots. Ideal for meal prepping, you can make a big batch and freeze extras for later enjoyment. This vegan recipe is gluten-free adaptable and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main 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)
Optional Add-ins
- Additional spices or herbs as desired (e.g. cumin, chili powder, fresh parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Sweet Potato: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pierce the sweet potato several times with a fork and bake it on a baking sheet for about 45-50 minutes until soft. Alternatively, microwave for 6-10 minutes until tender. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Mash Sweet Potato: Remove the skin from the baked sweet potato and place the flesh in a medium-sized bowl. Mash it until smooth, ensuring there are no large chunks.
- Cook Lentils: While the sweet potato bakes, place the red lentils in a saucepan and cover with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, keep covered, and let sit for 10 minutes to finish absorbing the liquid.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked lentils to the bowl with mashed sweet potato. Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, and salt if using. Mix thoroughly with hands or a spoon until evenly combined.
- Form Tots: Shape the mixture into about 18 small croquettes, approximately 2 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly brush or spray the tops of each tot with 1-2 teaspoons of oil to promote browning and crispness.
- Bake Tots: Bake in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Flip the tots halfway through baking for even crispiness. The tots should have a slightly crispy, golden exterior.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour.
- You can prepare these tots in advance and freeze them. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Adjust spices to your preference for a customized flavor profile.
- Oil is used only to help crisp the exterior; feel free to use your preferred cooking oil.
- Microwaving the sweet potato is a faster alternative to baking but baking yields a deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
