Homemade Tater Tots Recipe
Welcome to the delightful world of homemade snacks, where the crunchy exterior meets a soft, fluffy interior! These Homemade Tater Tots are not just a crowd-pleaser; they’re a labor of love that makes for the perfect appetizer or tea-time snack. Crafted from scratch with fresh potatoes and seasoned to perfection, these little bites will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them on a cozy evening at home, they are sure to impress.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 10 medium-sized potatoes |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh coriander leaves (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon, finely chopped |
| Red chili flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour (Maida) | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | For deep frying |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 150-200 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | Varies with salt |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 60 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | 8 |
Cuisine and Dietary Information
| Cuisine | Continental |
|---|---|
| Course | Appetizer |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Instructions
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Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly scrubbing the potatoes under running water until they are clean. After washing, peel the skins off and set aside. Instead of parboiling them, place the peeled potatoes in a large saucepan and fill it with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal is to slightly soften the potatoes while ensuring they remain firm and not mushy.
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Cool the Potatoes: Once boiled, drain the potatoes and rinse them in cold water to halt the cooking process. Pat them dry gently using a clean kitchen towel. This cooling process is crucial, as it allows for easier grating.
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Grate the Potatoes: With the potatoes slightly cooled, take a box grater and grate them into a large mixing bowl. This step should yield fluffy potato shreds that will help achieve that signature tater tot texture.
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Mix the Ingredients: To the grated potatoes, add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, red chili flakes, finely chopped fresh coriander leaves, and salt to taste. Next, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and rice flour. Using your hands, gently mix the ingredients together until you achieve a dough-like consistency. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as you want to keep some of that light, fluffy texture.
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Shape the Tater Tots: With your hands greased in a bit of oil, take small portions of the potato mixture and shape them into bite-sized ovals or cylinders. Make sure they are compact enough to hold their shape while frying.
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Fry the Tater Tots: In a deep frying pan, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully drop in the shaped tater tots in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on all sides.
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Drain and Serve: Once the tater tots are golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with kitchen paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil.
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Enjoy: Serve your homemade tater tots hot and crispy, paired with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tangy tomato ketchup or a spicy Sichuan-style bird’s eye chili sauce. These delightful bites are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or just indulging in some comfort food.
Final Tips
- Variations: Feel free to customize your tater tots by adding shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra kick.
- Baking Option: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try baking the shaped tater tots in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
With this Homemade Tater Tots Recipe, you are well on your way to creating a snack that brings joy and comfort to any gathering. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome of these golden, crispy treats that are sure to delight your family and friends!
