This Sweet Potato Lentil Tots recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! These little tots are not just a snack; they are loaded with flavors and packed with nutrients. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Sweet Potato Lentil Tots
Here’s the breakdown of the ingredients you’ll be using. Feel free to get creative, this recipe is all about adaptability!
- 1 cup cooked lentils: You can use any type you have on hand, brown, green, or even red!
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes: These give the tots a sweet flavor and creamy texture. You can roast or steam them.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Use regular breadcrumbs or opt for oat flour for a gluten-free alternative, it’s all up to you!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Because, let’s be real, garlic makes everything better!
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a depth of flavor and complements the garlic perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just a couple pinches to enhance all those delicious flavors.
- Oil for frying (optional): If you’re feeling indulgent and want that crispy exterior!
How to Make Sweet Potato Lentil Tots
Ready to whip these up? Here’s how it’s done:
Mix it Up: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils and mashed sweet potatoes until well mixed. You want them to be friends, right? It should look like a lovely mash!
Add the Goodies: Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Mix until a nice dough forms. It’s going to smell so good!
Get Cooking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re baking, or heat a skillet and add a splash of oil for frying over medium heat.
Shape it Up: Shape the mixture into small tots (about the size of a golf ball) and place them on a baking sheet or into your hot pan. If you’re frying, ensure they’re evenly spaced to get crispy.
Cook ‘Em Good: If you’re baking, pop those tots into the oven for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve that golden brown on all sides. If you’re frying, cook until they’re golden brown, roughly 3-4 minutes per side. The crispy texture is key here.
Cool and Serve: Let them cool a bit before serving. These are great fresh out of the oven or even as leftovers. Your little ones are going to want to gobble them up!
If you loved this tots recipe, be sure to check out my Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup or my Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Let’s talk about convenience, these tots come together all in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying. We all have those days, don’t we?
Customizable
The best part is, you can use whatever ingredients you have. Got some extra veggies? Toss them in! Prefer chickpeas over lentils? Go for it! This dish is so easily adapted to fit what you have on hand.
Family-Friendly
These Sweet Potato Lentil Tots are perfect for the entire family. Packed with nutrients but also being absolutely delicious, you’ll have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).
Minimal Cleanup
Hey, no one wants to spend half the evening doing dishes, right? The mixing bowl and the baking sheet are pretty much it! Toss everything in and off you go.
Budget-Friendly
Made from simple ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank. Sweet potatoes and lentils are some of the most affordable, nutrient-dense foods around, making this a smart choice for families looking to eat well on a budget.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This
These little gems are perfect as is or served with your favorite dipping sauce! Here are a couple of ideas for what to serve with your Sweet Potato Lentil Tots:
- Dipping Sauces: Ketchup, ranch dressing, or a homemade spicy yogurt dip.
- As a Side: Pair them with a light salad or alongside grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- Snack Time: Great for after-school snacks or any time you need a grab-and-go nourishment boost!
Storage
These lentil tots keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just pop them in an airtight container once they have cooled down completely.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get that crispy texture back. You can also use an air fryer for a quick crisp-up.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! These tots are freezer-friendly. After shaping them, lay them out on a baking tray in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready, just bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to whip up these delicious Sweet Potato Lentil Tots? They’re not just a great way to clean out your fridge; they’re perfect for busy families looking for quick, nutritious snacks and meals. Plus, the satisfaction of biting into a crispy, flavorful tot is just unbeatable!
Oh! And if you want to play around, you can add spices! A little smoked paprika or even some cumin can swirl in different flavors, making them even more interesting. Give these a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
And don’t forget to enjoy the process! Cooking should be fun, and these Sweet Potato Lentil Tots are about to become your new favorite recipe to share around the dinner table. Happy cooking! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Print
Sweet Potato Lentil Tots
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Potato Lentil Tots are a deliciously healthy snack, perfect for families and easy to make in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils and mashed sweet potatoes until well mixed.
- Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Mix until a nice dough forms.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat a skillet and add oil for frying over medium heat.
- Shape the mixture into small tots and place them on a baking sheet or into your hot pan.
- If baking, pop those tots into the oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. If frying, cook until golden brown, roughly 3-4 minutes per side.
- Let them cool a bit before serving.
Notes
These tots are freezer-friendly and can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg