Sweet Potato Tots

If you have ever craved a snack that is both delicious and nutritious, look no further than these delightful Sweet Potato Tots. They are the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them a fantastic addition to any meal or a delectable snack. Sweet potatoes pack a punch of flavor and nutrients, and when transformed into tots, they become irresistible. You can enjoy them on their own, dip them in your favorite sauce, or use them as a tasty side for any dish. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself, these Sweet Potato Tots will surely be a hit!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

These Sweet Potato Tots are not only simple to make, but they also boast a delightful flavor profile that sets them apart from regular potato tots. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, combined with a hint of garlic and cinnamon, creates a unique taste experience. Plus, making your own tots means you can control the ingredients and customize them to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome snack for your kids, a side dish for dinner, or a party appetizer, these sweet potato bites deliver on all fronts.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 1 ½ cups canola oil (for frying)

How To Make Sweet Potato Tots

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into chunks. This will make them easier to boil. Place the sweet potato chunks into a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Let the sweet potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool slightly before mashing.

Step 2: Mash and Mix

In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. You can use a potato masher or a fork for this – just ensure there are no lumps. To the mashed sweet potatoes, add in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, ¾ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix until everything is well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but manageable for shaping.

Step 3: Shape the Tots

To start forming your tots, prepare a clean surface and sprinkle a little of the remaining ½ cup of all-purpose flour onto it. Scoop a tablespoon-sized amount of the sweet potato mixture, roll it into a small cylindrical shape, and then coat it lightly in flour. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been shaped into tots.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large frying pan, heat the 1 ½ cups of canola oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of the sweet potato mixture into the oil. If it sizzles and starts to fry, the oil is hot enough.

Step 5: Fry the Tots

Carefully place the shaped sweet potato tots into the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded in the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to gently turn them so they cook evenly. Once they are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

These Sweet Potato Tots are best enjoyed hot, straight from the fryer. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup, ranch, or a spicy aioli, and watch them disappear in no time!

Expert Tips

• Make sure to cool the mashed sweet potato mixture before shaping the tots to make handling easier.
• Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can lead to soggy tots.
• If you prefer baking over frying, you can place the shaped tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with oil. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
• Experiment with your seasoning! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or try incorporating different herbs like paprika or cumin for a unique twist.

Variations and Customizations

• Add finely chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro for an extra flavor boost.
• Incorporate grated cheese into the mixture for a cheesy version of these tots.
• Try adding different spices like curry powder or smoked paprika for a diverse flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), Sweet Potato Tots can be easily stored. Allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake them in an oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a frying pan with a little oil to restore their crunchiness.

FAQ

Can I freeze Sweet Potato Tots?

Yes, you can freeze sweet potato tots! Once you have shaped them, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. After they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy, you can fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking is a great alternative to frying. Simply place the shaped tots on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown.

What dipping sauces go well with Sweet Potato Tots?

Sweet potato tots pair wonderfully with various dipping sauces! Some popular choices include classic ketchup, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.

How can I make these spicy?

If you want to add some heat to your sweet potato tots, you can mix in crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even finely chopped jalapeños into the sweet potato mixture. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your spice preference for the perfect kick!

Conclusion

These Sweet Potato Tots are not only a fantastic way to enjoy sweet potatoes, but they also provide a crunchy, savory snack that is perfect for any occasion. With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, they have the ability to thrill your taste buds while also being easy to prepare. Whether you fry or bake them, these tots are sure to be a family favorite. So whip up a batch today and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Sweet Potato Tots, perfect for snacking, sharing, or indulging just because. Happy cooking!