Homemade Sweet Potato Lentil Tots Recipe
These Homemade Sweet Potato Tots are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional tater tots. Made with mashed sweet potatoes, red split lentils, and seasoned with paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, they offer a nutritious and flavorful snack or side dish. Baked to crispy perfection with a light coating of olive oil, these tots are easy to make and perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 tots 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (about one 8-oz medium-sized sweet potato)
- 1/2 cup red split lentils (uncooked)
- 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 also substitute gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour)
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potato: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pierce the sweet potato with a fork and bake for about 45-50 minutes until soft. Alternatively, microwave for 6-10 minutes until tender. Let it cool slightly, then remove the skin and mash the sweet potato in a medium-sized bowl until smooth.
- Cook Lentils: While the sweet potato cooks, place red split lentils in a saucepan. Cover with vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until most liquid is absorbed (about 15 minutes). Turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked lentils to the mashed sweet potato along with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, and salt if using. Mix thoroughly with hands or a spoon until well combined.
- Shape Tots: Form the mixture into roughly 18 small croquettes, each about 2 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place them spaced out on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly spray or brush olive oil over the top of each tot.
- Bake Tots: Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through baking. The tots should turn slightly crispy on the outside and have a light golden color.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko bread crumbs with gluten-free crumbs or almond flour.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; salt is optional as the broth may add some saltiness.
- Ensure the sweet potato is fully cooked and soft for the best texture.
- Use olive oil sparingly to keep tots crispy but not greasy.
- These tots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: sweet potato tots, homemade tots, baked sweet potato recipe, healthy snack, vegetarian snack, gluten-free tots
