How to Create Savory Sweet Potato and Kale Tots: A Simple Guide
Do you ever find yourself craving something savory, yet slightly sweet, packed with nutrients, and perfect for any time of day? Well, look no further than these savory sweet potato and kale tots. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a fantastic way to sneak some greens into your diet or perhaps to convince picky eaters to enjoy their vegetables. This guide will take you through the steps to create these delightful bites, keeping things simple and straightforward.
Ingredients:
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have everything you’ll need. These ingredients are easily found in most grocery stores, if not already in your pantry:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup kale, washed and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking tray)
For your convenience, feel free to adjust the quantities based on how many tots you’d like to make.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
First, you’ll need to cook the sweet potatoes. You can do this by boiling or baking them. Boiling is quicker, but baking can enhance their sweetness. If boiling, place them in a pot of water and bring to a boil for about 15-20 minutes or until tender. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C), prick the sweet potatoes with a fork, and bake on a lined baking sheet for about 45 minutes or until they are soft.
2. Preparing the Kale:
While the sweet potatoes are cooling down, take the time to prep your kale. Remove the stems and finely chop the leaves. You want the pieces to be small enough to blend seamlessly into the tot mixture.
3. Mixing the Ingredients:
Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, mash them in a large bowl. Add the finely chopped kale, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well until you have a uniform mixture. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a bit more bread crumbs to help it bind better.
4. Shaping the Tots:
Now comes the fun part—shaping your tots! First, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Take a spoonful of the mixture and use your hands to form it into small, cylinder-like shapes, similar to traditional tater tots. Place each tot on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Baking:
Once all your tots are nicely lined up on the baking sheet, pop them in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through the baking time. This ensures they get crispy on all sides.
6. Serving:
Let the tots cool down for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce. Ketchup, ranch, or a yogurt-based sauce can complement their flavors well.
Tips for Success:
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add your favorite spices to the mixture. Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a pinch of cinnamon can add an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it Vegan: Easily make these tots vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and using a vegan cheese alternative.
- Freezer Friendly: These tots can be frozen for later enjoyment. Simply freeze them after shaping and before baking. When you’re ready to eat them, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion:
Creating savory sweet potato and kale tots is not only simple but also a fun way to enjoy a nutritious snack or side dish. Whether you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, or just seeking a tasty new recipe to try, these tots are sure to impress. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of these delightful bites that are sure to become a new favorite. Happy cooking!