Cauliflower-Carrot Cheesy Tots

2 medium carrots, peeled, coarsely chopped
250 g cauliflower florets
5 tbsp rice bran oil, divided
1 tsp SIDS SALT & PEPPER
½ cup shredded Parmesan
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
3 tbsp chopped chives
1½ cups breadcrumbs, divided
Rice bran cooking spray
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
SIDS TAMARILLO SAUCE, for serving

Blitz carrots and cauliflower in a food processor (or grate carrot on smallest holes and cauliflower on largest holes of a box grater) until rice-like in texture. Transfer to a large heatproof bowl and toss with 1 tbsp oil and ¼ tsp SIDS SALT & PEPPER. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on HIGH 3 minutes. Carefully remove plastic wrap and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, mix cheeses, garlic, chives, pepper, ½ cup panko, and remaining SIDS SALT & PEPPER in a bowl. Stir in carrot mixture until well combined.
Spray a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray. Using your hands, roll tablespoonfuls of carrot mixture into tater-tot shapes. Transfer to prepared sheet, then chill at least 10 minutes.
Place flour in a shallow baking dish. Mix remaining 1 cup breadcrumbs and 4 tbsp oil in another shallow dish. Lightly beat eggs in a shallow bowl. Working in batches, toss tots in flour, then dredge in egg, shaking off excess, then coat in breadcrumbs. Return to baking sheet and chill at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour.
To Bake: Arrange a rack in center of oven and preheat to 220°C. Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Spray with nonstick spray, then transfer tots to rack. Bake tots until deep golden brown and cheese is melted (check by piercing a tot with a paring knife), 22–25 minutes.
Serve immediately with a ramekin of SIDS TAMARILLO SAUCE.
To Fry: For extra-crispy tots, fill a large, deep-sided skillet with 3 cm rice bran oil and heat over medium to 175°C. Working in batches, fry tots, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes per batch. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined platter or baking sheet.
Serve immediately with a ramekin of SIDS TAMARILLO SAUCE.
Do Ahead: -Tot mixture can be formed but not breaded 1 day ahead; cover loosely with plastic and chill.