Spicy Potato Tots
Please rate my Tater Tots
Inspiration for recipes and articles are everywhere!
I don't have any trouble figuring out what topics to write about. Actually, I have so many ideas, and not enough time. One of the reasons I don't have enough time is that I read so many hubs, but I am proud of that! There are so many spectacular articles out there, and I learn from so many of my fellow writers.
One of my most recent reads was "H*O*T* --Scrabble Anagrams, HubPages Style", by Hawaiianodysseus. I have provided the link below, and encourage you to check it out. Once you do, you will completely understand the concept behind this recipe! His "light teasing" gave me the inspiration for this recipe, and since I have already tasted this experiment, I can say it is delicious! Thanks, Joe!
Meow!
Kathryn's Hard Frank Tots
Originally the title was "Kathryn's Hard Frank Tots", for the sake of the inspiration article by Hawaianodysseus. His Scrabble game using my full name spelled out "Try Hard Frank Tots", and I came up with my own recipe for spicy 'tater tots.
This is the first time I have made these. This version is not fried, like many are, and I mash the potatoes instead of shredding them. It is different than many tater tots out there. These are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and completely full of flavor. I particularly like the curry in it. It gives it a nice zip!
We used to have Tater Tots a lot when I was a kid, although they were the kind you buy from the freezer section of a store. Making these brought back some memories.
To keep in line with the slightly silly original title, it has a small amount of beer in it to make it "hard", and Frank's Hot Sauce. Neither ingredients are absolutely necessary to make a great Potato Tot recipe, but for the sake of the article I include them.
Without further ado, here is my recipe. I hope you enjoy it! Feel free to rate it, and also to leave comments at the bottom.
Cook Time
Note About the Cook Time:
Above estimate is based on using the quick microwave method to baking the potato. If you use the oven, it may add up to another 50 minutes to the time.
Variations and Tips
I always like to add some variations, or I don't feel complete.
- Keep in mind that the amounts for all spices are flexible. Take into account which spices you like, and use more or less.
- If you would like, you may mash the potatoes first, and then add the other ingredients in, particularly if you want to make sure it's not too much milk.
- One recipe I saw used about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cups of Greek yogurt instead of milk.
- Instead of or in addition to Panko bread crumbs you may also use regular bread crumbs, or even crushed stuffing mix or croutons.
- This makes enough for two. If you want more, just double or triple the recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2-2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese
- pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Frank's Red Hot Sauce, to taste (opt)
- 1-1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs, for the potato tot's crunchy topping
- 1 egg white
- 1 Tablespoon beer, (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes, pierce holes in them, and bake them. I prefer the microwave, because it takes about 10 minutes. In the oven, it takes about 1 hour. Or you may cut them into chunks, add them to a pan with just enough water to cover them, and let boil until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Add milk and some of the parmesan cheese into a medium bowl. If you're using beer, add some now.
- Mix together the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, curry powder, and hot sauce.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, peel (if desired), add to the bowl, and mash.
- To a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and any additional parmesan cheese and curry powder that you want to coat the potatoes with.
- Add the egg white to another small bowl.
- Spread parchment paper over a baking sheet, or grease the pan.
- Scoop out a small amount of the potato mix, shape into tot shape, roll into the egg whites, and then roll into the bread crumb mixture before placing on the baking sheet. Leave a little bit of space between them all, so they don't all turn into one big, massive tater tot.
- Slide into the oven, and cook for about 20-25 minutes. 10 minutes through that time, flip the tots over.
- They are done when they're brown and crispy on the outside, and hot on the inside.
