Want to add more veggies to your meals in a delicious way? Try these Carrots and Cauliflower Tots. Bursting with wholesome vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cheese, they make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or side dish. These tots are bound to please both kids and adults!
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 large carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white parts only)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Bring 4 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a large pot.
- Add the cauliflower florets and carrots to the boiling water. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Drain the vegetables well and let them cool slightly.
- Process the Vegetables:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse the cooked cauliflower and carrots until they are finely chopped but not pureed.
- Pour the mixture into a spacious mixing bowl.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the thinly sliced green onions, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, egg, grated sharp cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl with the vegetable mixture.
- Adjust the flavor with extra salt and freshly ground pepper as desired.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Form the Tots:
- Take approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form it into a small tot or nugget shape.
- Continue shaping and placing the remaining mixture, ensuring the tots are spaced evenly on the sheet.
- Bake the Tots:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- For extra crispiness, you can turn the tots halfway through the baking time.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the tots to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter.
- Serve warm, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Conclusion
These Carrots and Cauliflower Tots are a delightful and healthy way to enjoy vegetables. The combination of cauliflower, carrots, and a blend of cheeses makes these tots irresistibly tasty. Perfect for snacks, parties, or a nutritious side dish, these veggie-packed tots are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them fresh from the oven and savor the delicious flavors and textures!