Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Homemade Sweet Potato Tots with Lentils Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 3 reviews

This Homemade Sweet Potato Tots recipe is a nutritious and delicious snack perfect for babies learning to eat (BLW) and the whole family. Made with wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, red split lentils, and lightly seasoned with paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, these tots are baked to crispy golden perfection with a tender inside. They make a great healthy alternative to traditional fried tater tots and are easy to prepare with simple pantry staples.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 18 tots

Ingredients

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 with gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour)
  • 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potato: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pierce the sweet potato with a fork and bake it in the oven for about 45-50 minutes until soft. Alternatively, microwave the sweet potato for about 6-10 minutes until it’s soft to the touch. Allow it to cool slightly, then remove the skin and mash the flesh in a medium-sized bowl until smooth.
  2. Cook the Lentils: While the sweet potato cooks, place the red split lentils in a saucepan and cover them with the vegetable broth. Bring this to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until the liquid is almost fully absorbed, roughly 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, keep covered, and let sit for an additional 10 minutes.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked lentils to the mashed sweet potato bowl. Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, and salt if using. Mix everything well using your hands or a spoon to create a uniform mixture.
  4. Form the Tots: Shape the mixture into approximately 18 small croquettes, about 2 inches long and 1 inch thick. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly spray or brush olive oil on the top of each tot to help achieve crispiness.
  5. Bake: Place the tots in the preheated 400°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Flip the tots halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning. They should turn slightly crispy and golden on the outside while remaining tender inside.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute panko bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour.
  • You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you prefer.
  • The olive oil helps the tots develop a crispy outside; you may adjust the amount based on your preference.
  • Let the sweet potato cool enough after baking or microwaving to safely handle and mash.
  • These tots can be frozen after shaping and baked directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes (sweet potato) + 15-20 minutes (baking tots)
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/homemade-sweet-potato-tots-with-lentils-recipe/