HOW TO PREPARE TATER TOTS.

Tater tots are a popular American side dish made from grated potatoes, which are formed into small cylindrical shapes and deep-fried until crisp. Making homemade tater tots can be a fun kitchen project and allows you to enjoy this beloved snack fresh and hot. Here’s how you might prepare them:

Ingredients:
4 medium-sized potatoes
1 teaspoon salt, plus extra for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
Prepare the Potatoes:
Peel and Boil: Peel the potatoes and place them in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until they’re just starting to soften, about 5-7 minutes (they should still be firm).
Cool and Grate: Allow the potatoes to cool, then grate them using a box grater.
Season and Shape:
Season: Place the grated potatoes in a large bowl and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the grated potatoes and mix to combine. The flour will help bind the tater tots together.
Form Tater Tots: Take small amounts of the potato mixture and form them into small cylinders or balls. Ensure they’re tightly packed so they don’t fall apart during frying.
Fry the Tater Tots:
Heat Oil: In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to completely submerge the tater tots.
Fry in Batches: Carefully add the tater tots to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
Drain and Season: Remove the tater tots from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still hot, sprinkle with additional salt if desired.
Serve:
Serve Hot: Serve the tater tots while they are hot and crispy. Consider dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Tips:
Prevent Sogginess: To avoid soggy tater tots, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding them to fry, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Oven Method: If you’d prefer not to fry the tater tots, you can bake them instead. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the shaped tater tots on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden and crispy.
Freezing: You can freeze formed (uncooked) tater tots by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Fry or bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Homemade tater tots can be customized with various seasonings and served with a variety of sauces. Enjoy your cooking!