Ingredients

  • 5 to 6 medium russet potatoes (2 pound), cut into chunks
  • 1 medium sweet potato or yam ( 1/4 pound), cut into chunks
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 2 teaspoons corn flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground millet flour
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Safflower or peanut oil, for frying

Method

  • Place the russet potatoes and sweet potato into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal cutting blade.
  • Pulse 5 or 6 times until coarsely ground.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cold water and 2 teaspoons of the salt.
  • Add the potatoes and stir to coat.
  • Drain well through a fine sieve, pushing out as much water as you can.
  • Transfer the potatoes to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 4 minutes.
  • Stir and heat for another 4 minutes.
  • Stir in the corn flour, ground millet flour, cayenne, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment and pour in the potato mixture.
  • Spread it evenly and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
  • Chill in the freezer for 20 minutes.
  • Once the potato mixture is frozen, cut it into 1-by- 1/2-inch tots.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
  • Heat at least 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 370F.
  • Fry the tots in batches, being sure not to crowd the pot, until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Remove the tots with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking