San Francisco Style Garlic Tater Tots
Addictive tater tots made with Yukon gold potatoes and crushed potato chips, tossed in a garlicky goodness! Crispy, soft, hot, spicy, garlicky, salty... yummy!
Addictive tater tots made with Yukon gold potatoes and crushed potato chips, tossed in a garlicky goodness! Crispy, soft, hot, spicy, garlicky, salty... yummy!
- vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoons paprika
- 1 pound yokon gold potatoes peeled
- 1 cup finely crushed potato chips i used lay’s classic
- 1/2 teaspoons pepper powder
- 10 cloves garlic peeled and finely chopped
- 1/4 cups parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
- Carbohydrate 3.07040645934058 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 18.4299247918273 g
- Fiber 1.16953333056031 g
- Protein 0.903021875422743 g
- Saturated Fat 1.38707860656979 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (490g)
- Sodium 9.581791673965 mg
- Sugar 1.90087312878027 g
- Trans Fat 0.273855980482269 g
- Calories 176 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut large potatoes in half or leave them whole if medium or small.
- Add potatoes to a large pot of water, bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are just cooked (do not overcook them).
- Drain potatoes and let cool completely.
- Place some potato chips in a gallon-size resealable bag, seal and crush with a rolling pin, until crushed well. Measure 1 cup for the recipe.
- Coarsely grate potatoes and mix well with crushed potato chips, salt, pepper powder, garlic powder and paprika, until thoroughly incorporated (clean hands are your best friends).
- Divide into 1 1/2-tablespoon portions and shape each portion into a 1 to 1 1/2 inch cylinder (the shape of a traditional tot).
- Add oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it comes to about 1 1/2 inches height up the sides of the pan.
- Heat over high heat until it reaches 375°F.
- Deep fry tots in 2 batches, until each batch is deep golden on all sides, turning them occasionally, 3–4 minutes per batch.
- Drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the same oil in a small skillet and stir in garlic, parsley and red pepper flakes.
- Place the skillet on low heat and cook just until the raw flavor of garlic is gone.
- Scrape off every last bit of this garlicky goodness over the cooked tots and toss them around.
- Serve hot and watch them disappear. Makes about 28 tots.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: San Francisco Style Garlic Tater Tots
As a busy professional woman juggling a demanding career and a social life, finding time to cook elaborate meals is often a challenge. My evenings are usually a whirlwind of deadlines and networking events, leaving little energy for anything beyond a quick, healthy dinner. However, every now and then, I crave a comforting, indulgent treat that transcends the usual weeknight fare. That's where these San Francisco Style Garlic Tater Tots come in. They're far from my usual healthy choices, but they’re surprisingly easy to make, even on a tight schedule, and they're absolutely irresistible.
The inspiration struck during a recent trip to San Francisco. I was captivated by the city's vibrant food scene, particularly the famous garlic fries. The aroma of roasted garlic, mingling with the crispy fries, was simply intoxicating. Returning home, I was determined to recreate that unique flavor profile, but with a twist – tater tots. The idea seemed simple enough, but the process was surprisingly rewarding. I experimented with different potato varieties, chip combinations, and garlic preparation methods, ultimately settling on a recipe that delivers that perfect balance of crispy, soft, garlicky, and salty goodness.
The process of making these tater tots is therapeutic, a welcome break from the daily grind. The act of grating the potatoes, crushing the chips, and shaping the tots is almost meditative. It's a process that grounds me, connecting me to something simple and satisfying. Then, the smell of the garlic infused oil, the golden brown tots emerging from the fryer – the entire experience is intensely satisfying, even before the first bite. The taste is unforgettable; crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. The garlicky goodness coats every tot, creating an umami explosion in your mouth, perfectly balanced by a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes. They disappear quickly, making them the perfect addition to a casual get-together with friends or a comforting treat for a quiet night in.
These San Francisco Style Garlic Tater Tots aren't just a recipe; they're a testament to the power of simple pleasures. They’re a reminder that even amidst the chaos of modern life, there's always room for a bit of indulgence, a little bit of comfort, and a lot of flavor. The simple act of cooking them, savoring their aroma and taste, is a brief escape, a moment of mindful indulgence in a world that often demands our constant attention. This recipe has become more than just a snack; it’s a small, yet significant, piece of joy in my otherwise hectic life.
I encourage you to try this recipe and discover the joy of creating something delicious and comforting, even on a busy weeknight. The process of making these tater tots is surprisingly therapeutic, and the final product is simply irresistible. Remember, life's too short for boring meals. Embrace the unexpected, and discover the magic of a simple, yet profoundly satisfying recipe that will leave you wanting more.
