Homemade tater tots that are healthy!
3 ways of making tater tots for your little tots! You can either bake them, air-fry them or shallow fry them!
Homemade Tater tots that are healthy? Joking right?
After all tater tots are nothing but grated potato and cheese deep-fried and served as a side dish. "Tater Tots" is a registered trademark of the H. J. Heinz Company, L.P. and is used as a generic term. Tater tots are cylindrical in shape and crispy exterior.
These tater tots are made with mixed vegetables, tofu and cheese. You can add eggs too. In fact, they will bind very well if eggs are used and when baked you will get a deep golden colour.
The alternative names for tater tots is Tots, potato rounds, potato puffs, tater puffs, potato cylinders, potato nuggets, potato croquettes, baby taters. Tater tots are served as Entrée or side dish, sometimes as part of the main course.
It is Monday and I have joined a group called the FoodieMondayBloghop and this week we are doing the #173 ToddlerFingerFood as our theme. Thanks to Poonam for the suggesting the theme and I have a long pending post to write.
I am sorry but this is a long-drawn post but then I have been requested by my neighbour for recipes for a toddler. This post is especially for Mitali who I have seen growing up from a teenager to a bride to a mom. Mitali is struggling to feed her toddler of about 2 years.
If you can get your toddler to eat without fuss then more than half of you battle is won.
I have two kids one is 24 now and the other will be 17 this year! My elder one, Apeksha and I had a lot of food issues but thankfully, I was better equipped to deal with the fuss with my younger one.
‘Mumma’ the word brings smiles to our faces it comes with a lot of challenges too!
The biggest one is that my child has not eaten!!
Okay, let us deal with this!
But first some disclaimers... I am no expert.
This is the way I have handled my younger one and found that it worked wonders with her. She was healthier and willing to try anything new. All said and done please remember your child is unique. These are just pointers try them out if they work with you fine else refine them.
Some of my younger one's antics were getting me to chew almonds or anything hard for her to chew and then after she thought it was chewed upon enough hooking it out of my mouth with her small index finger. Nothing new in it even chimps do that...
Akanksha, my younger one, was first introduced to the kitchen at 4 months! A necessity as my Mother-in-Law and Mother had both passed away. All the sounds in the kitchen she heard, from the hiss of the cooker to the sizzling sounds of food cooking.
As she grew older she perched on my hip as I cooked. She watched the mustard splutter, the jeera sizzle the vegetable crackle as it went in the pan. There used to be an excited look on her face!
This helped her appreciate food. I suppose she thought it was magic!
Once she was weaned, I gave her the vegetable or dal or whatever that we cooked was on her plate she fed herself.
Yes, I encouraged her to feed herself. Of course, there was a huge mess. The vessels were very dirty, food was spilt there were times when she dipped her chapatti in water and used it like play dough.
LET HER BE!!
Close your eyes and let the eek be! And stop listening to all the criticism about your parenting!
Let your child explore the textures the smooth feel of paneer, the crunch of an apple, and the delicious feel of homemade butter. If she wants cucumber give it, if she wants a taste of lemon let her. She is the best judge of her tastes and textures. Believe me, my friend’s daughter of the same age loved sour stuff but mine did not.
You can use what she likes to present food that you think she has to eat.
Present it! Yes, present it to her! Why do you like restaurant food? Mostly because it is well presented! We eat with our eyes first!
My elder one was averse to eating veggies but she loved salads. So it was mostly salads for her but once she was bored of the same salads I cut the veggies in interesting shapes. So carrot and cucumber slices with a slight triangle cut in them became flowers, mountains, cabbage the river. Paniyaram/appe/gundpangla became mountains that were sitting in chutney calling out to her and we still call them mountains. Get the idea??
Use a lot of colours to attract your toddler to her plate.
The plate! How can I forget? Do not buy the section plates! The sections are yours i.e. an adult concept; use an ordinary plate, steel plate with an edge.
In an ordinary plate serve different coloured food to the child steamed beetroots, boiled peas, steamed French beans, boiled cauliflower, stir-fried ladyfinger, chapatti bits, some dal, tomato.
Serve very small serving you do not want the child overwhelmed by what is on her plate. You can always slyly slip some more cauliflower or carrots. Praise her when she finishes!!! Profusely!! It is okay if there is more on the floor than in her.
I have even given my younger one sliced brinjal that is shallow fried. Believe me, she has finished every bit of it. We were surprised but this was what she demanded and we served.
Last but not least do not feed your child in front of the TV, computer, and laptop.
Tell her stories of how Bhim of Pandavas ate food. Tell her how he was so strong because of it. Ask your child,” Are you strong too?” “O my, you are strong! You are eating so well so you are strong! Show your muscles...HMMM! “
Any story, cook it up, embellish the story anything to hold her attention! I know there is a storyteller in you. As a toddler for baby cereal, I said the crow came riding the spoon saying “Caw! Caw is there place in your mouth?” Worked! We ate the cereal no fuss.
One of the best ways we discovered of feeding the kids was playing restaurant with the girls; they fed soup, salad, vegetables and dal to the dolls. This was of course when they were about 4- 5 years old. The kids are still ready to taste any soup on earth. I have many times served dal, amti, and kadhi as soup.
Finally, you relax!!!
Children are very sensitive they understand you too well. They pick up nuances better than anyone else. If the child does not eat then she does not eat. You getting upset and discussing it will set a chain reaction.
Instead, you start eating in front of her.
Relish it! Praise the food! “So Yummy!!! Lovely no Pappa!!”
Then say ”Pappa, you don’t take from my plate I am keeping it here” and move away from the plate leaving it accessible to the child, go get a spoon, water anything. Pappa also pretends to be busy or encourages the child to eat and the child gets busy at mumma’s plate. Job done!
In a nutshell,
- Let the kid feed herself.
- Present small colourful meals, shapes, faces.
- Serve different textures.
- Tell food-related stories when you need to feed them or when she is feeding herself.
- Suppress the urge to correct her. Praise the correct behaviour (wish I had done more of this).
- Most importantly relax it is not the end of the world. If this food does not work something else will.
The something else is finger foods!
Mitali this post will lead you to a lot more posts; we have all sailed in the same boat.
Finger food can be anything from tater tots to cutlets, pinwheels of jam and chappati, mini muffins, frittata, falafels, granola bars, cereal bars, chikki, oats cookies, Veggies steamed, fruits , pancakes, mini dosa( Akanksha still likes it when I make them for her), idli, scrambled eggs, thalipeeth with veggies in it cut in strips, homemade crackers, lavash with hummus, pasta only make it at home you can try gnocchi. Include a variety you like too.
Here is the recipe for tater tots using veggies. You can add egg, prawns, and boiled chicken too.
Let me tell you Akanksha at first refused to eat these for potato was all she was looking for in her tater tots. But then she started eating them and told me they reminded her of fish fingers.
This recipe is adapted from here.
Healthy Cauliflower Tater Tots
- Serves: 40 pieces
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20/50/15 in the air fryer, oven and pan
Ingredients:
- 4 cauliflower florets, chopped fine
- 3 leaves of cauliflower, chopped fine
- 1carrot chopped fine
- ¼ capsicum finely chopped
- 1 spring onion chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 potatoes boiled and grated
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup tofu grated
- 3 cheese cubes grated
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Salt to taste
Method:
- Heat a kadhai /wok keep the flame low and add the carrots.
- When they are done add the cauliflower florets and the leaves to the same pan.
- Add the onions mix well and steam covered for about 5-10 minutes.
- Add the capsicum, and spring onion and keep covered.
- Meanwhile grate the potatoes, cheese and tofu in a mixing bowl.
- Add all the ingredients and mix well.
- Adjust the seasonings (if you are making it for an adult you may increase the salt and garlic, and add some chilli powder too).
- You can now preheat the oven to 190°C / 375 F.
- Spread a parchment paper on a baking tray and spray with oil lightly.
- Take about a tablespoon of the mixture in your palm and make a small cylinder.
- Make that all the ingredients are used up.
- Transfer the tots to the tray and bake.
- The recommendation was for 20 minutes but I need about 50 minutes. Turn the tots over in between be gentle they break.
- You can also dip the tots in oil and cook them in the air fryer @180°C for 20 minutes.
- You can also shallow fry them in a pan for about 15 minutes on low flame.
Healthy Cauliflower Tater Tots
Ingredients
- 4 cauliflower florets chopped fine
- 3 leaves of cauliflower chopped fine
- 1 carrot chopped fine
- ¼ capsicum finely chopped
- 1 spring onion chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 potatoes boiled and grated
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- cup ¼tofu grated
- 3 cheese cubes grated
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Salt to Taste
Instructions
- Heat a kadhai /wok keep the flame low and add the carrots.
- When they are done add the cauliflower florets and the leaves to the same pan.
- Add the onions mix well and steam covered for about 5-10 minutes.
- Add the capsicum, spring onion and keep covered.
- Meanwhile grate the potatoes, cheese and tofu in a mixing bowl.
- Add all the ingredients and mix well.
- Adjust the seasonings (if you are making it for an adult you may increase the salt and garlic, add some chilli powder too).
- You can now preheat oven to 190°C / 375 F.
- Spread a parchment paper on a baking tray and spray with oil lightly.
- Take about a tablespoon of the mixture in your palm and make a small cylinder.
- Make till all the ingredients are used up.
- Transfer the tots to the tray and bake.
- The recommendation was for 20 minutes but I need about 50 minutes. Turn the tots over in between be gentle they break.
- You can also dip the tots in oil and cook them in the air fryer @180°C for 20 minutes.
- You can also shallow fry them in a pan for about 15 minutes on low flame.
Few Cauliflower Variations:
Poonam Bachhav says
This is such an informative and useful post on parenting and toddler feeding tips di ! Coming to the recipe, I have never used cauliflower leaves in cooking. Now I will definitely try using them. The cauliflower tater tots are no doubt healthy and nutritious with so many veggies going in with tofu and cheese but they look appealing aswell ! A perfect toddler finger food . Thanks for the lovely share for the theme di !
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Poonam! This post was pending for more than 6 months now. Thanks to your theme I could do it.
The Girl Next Door says
Wow, these tater tots look so inviting! I want a couple of them myself. 🙂 I am sure my daughter would be thrilled to grab a bite of these.
ArchanaPotdar says
That's the idea, Madamji.
Priya Suresh says
What a wonderful way to sneak cauliflower, baked tater tots rocks. I can have few rite now without any fuss. Beautifully done Archana..
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Priya.
Kalyani says
That’s a fantastic read Arch ! And glad you could choose one dish that caters to both events 🙂 that’s very clever of u.. I wanted to make potato tater tots too Arch! Last minute change. These with cauliflower is such a welcome change 🙂
ArchanaPotdar says
I am clever Kalyani!!! 😀 😀 Though hubby will disagree.Thanks but.
Sujata Roy says
Tater tots looks fabulous Archana. Not only toddlers adults will also love these. The tips of feeding toddler beautifully written. Lovely share.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thank you.
Mayuri Patel says
I always believed in letting kids feel and experience texture of food to enjoy it. I noticed that whatever was served on our plate and if the same items were served on theirs, it was easier to get them to eat. A wonderful healthy share for the theme, a great way to get toddlers to enjoy cauliflower without them knowing.
ArchanaPotdar says
I do agree with you Mayuri. We make the mistake of making separate food for the kids.
Pavani says
Lovely post Archana - so many helpful tips.
Those cauliflower tater-tots look absolutely amazing. My picky eater son recently started eating cauliflower and I am sure both my kids will enjoy these.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Pavani.
Swati says
That’s a beautiful write up.. brought back many mixed memories. Some with my kids and some with my mom and sis.. very informative for moms who are looking for ways to win the battle of kids not eating properly. Your tater tots look yumm..
Gayathri Kumar says
That is a wonderful read Archana. Very useful for mothers with kids. Luckily Sruti was not so fussy when it came to food. These tater tots with so much veggies look absolutely yum..
Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth says
This is such an interesting recipe, especially when you have a plethora of veges going into one single meal... I agree as with kids, feeding some is stressful while some are such a joy... and I have both in mine! Hehe...
Srivalli says
Wonderful post Arch, so useful for moms of all age I suppose..these tater tots sound amazing that they are baked and also have veggies in them!..fantastic..
Vaishali says
Reading the post I was smiling , toddlers ? Definitely a very good read , and those tater tots sound delicious , a savoury bake is a great idea , wonder why I don’t think on those lines :((
Mildly Indian says
This is such an informative post. You really echoed my thoughts about the tatertots. I really love the idea for the unseen cauli. I may even feed a couple of people whom I know are picky about cauliflower. Thankyou
Varada says
Nice write up Archana. The best way to feed a toddler is to let them eat with you at the table and feed themselves. The recipe sounds great for all ages.
Sasmita Sahoo Samanta says
Awww this is my knida finger food Love these tater tots ... looks super inviting
Nalini says
Definitely a healthy recipe and nice way to sneak the veggies.Will try soon for my kids.
Vidya Narayan says
Firstly, I am sure Mitali's kid would be more than pleased to enjoy this yum tater tots. Secondly, the post is extremely helpful with great tips on how to feed your toddlers etc. Since you have raised 2 beautiful kids, I am sure people would happily follow the tips and the recipe too.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Vidya! Love to read your comments they are so sweet.
Renu says
Healthy and delicious snacks for toddlers as well as kids. I would too love to indulge in this. Beautiful post with so many tips.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thank you, Renu.
Sharmila Kingsly says
They are sure yummers.. So guiltfree can be globbed!!
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 Thanks.
Ritu Tangri says
Wow Archana! Superb share! This is really so informative for the new mom's. The way you have written it is so good that even me, the mom of grown up kids loved to read it to the end.
Same goes for the recipe... Delicious share
ArchanaPotdar says
Thank you, Ritu. You are very kind.
Sharmila says
Its super crispy!! using Cauliflower leaves is a good idea.
PAVANI GUNIKUNTLA says
Cauliflower tater tots look so cute and delicious. I think in this way I can make my kids eat cauliflower they are very fussy at eating veggies. Thanks for sharing.
Priya Srinivasan says
so well written about food and kids arch! My elder one is raised by my parents so he ate all veggies in paste form, whereas my younger by me, he can munch on a carrot and cucumber just like that, whereas my elder one would run a mile. He loves rice and dal, my younger one loves variety!! Both are from me, but so different!!! Yes, each kid is unique, and we should let them be!!!
Coming to the tater tots, they look cuteee, i myself would polish that plate clean, kids would defnintely love!!!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Priya. I do agree with your observation. My elder one was raised by my in-laws and veggies were not acceptable. I had a herculean task getting her to eat a variety.
Veena Krishnakumar says
Wow, arch...This is such an informative post. The tater tots look so delicious. I wish I had them now
Preethi's Cuisine says
Aww love these cute and healthy Tater tots.Fab share for the theme.
Padmajha PJ says
Loved reading your post Archana! So informative and so many tips and tricks for moms! I am still struggling with my lil one and his eating habits are improving slowly, thank God! These tater tots are sure to be a hot with the kids!!
Chef Mireille says
I made a version of these before and they were so good but I find so unique in this version is the use of the cauliflower leaves as I have never used cauliflower leaves in anything!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Mir.
Sujata Shukla says
Wow! The mad scientist has come up with a really delicious recipe, which any toddler would love to grab and stuff into her mouth! And I loved the post, reminded me of when my younger daughter was a toddle and would crawl around the kitchen floor, playing with pots and pans and potatoes while I cooked!
ArchanaPotdar says
😀
Suma Gandlur says
We don't plan to be experts on parenting but the kids at home leave us no choice. We become one raising them, I guess. Those are some lovely tips for new moms.
And those cauliflower tater tots are healthy and appealing to all ages.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Suma.
Azlin Bloor says
I just love the idea of these cauliflower tater tots! I can just imagine how popular they would be with kids, and I think mine would just enjoy making them too!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Azlin.
Mayuri Patel says
What a delicious snack this turned out to be. I personally am a bit fussy when it comes to cauliflower. But as cauliflower tater tots, wow. Instead of the cauliflower leaves used spinach as I didn't have them. A wonderful recipe for both adults and kids.
ArchanaPotdar says
I love the spinach Idea. next time.
Jayashree T.Rao says
Cauliflower tater tots look good and a good way to sneak in some vegetables. I often see children are always willing to eat what the elders eat. We need to make less spicier.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀
Sasmita Sahoo says
ahaaa love these healthy Cauliflower Tater Tots...... loaded with veggies and that too shallow fried or baked or air fried, this is a lovely idea to feed kids
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Sasmita.
Kalyani says
each parent's journey on the food highway is so unique, isnt it? We are all fans of cauliflower as a veggie so am sure these will be gobbled when (not if) I make them 🙂
ArchanaPotdar says
😀
Preethi Prasad says
What a beautiful write up Archana. These healthy tater tots look incredible . Not only the kids even the adults will love it . Making tater tots with cauliflower is a brilliant idea.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Preethi.
Priya Vj says
Cauliflower tater tots sound so yumm. I think this will be everyone's favorite and a sure party pleaser ..tiny tots to big shots all would polish it off 🙂
ArchanaPotdar says
😀