I absolutely love snacking, especially during those long work hours when my stomach starts to growl. And while I enjoy indulging in a bag of potato chips every now and then, I also like to explore healthier alternatives that still satisfy my cravings. One of my recent discoveries is how to make beet chips in the microwave – a quick and healthy snacking option that is as delicious as it is nutritious.
Preparing the Beets
Step 1: Choosing the Right Beets
The first step in making beet chips in the microwave is selecting the perfect beets. Look for beets that are firm, with smooth skin, and vibrant in color. Avoid any beets that are soft, wrinkled, or have blemishes. While you can use any variety of beet, I find that Chioggia beets work particularly well due to their beautiful pink and white interior.
Step 2: Washing and Peeling
Once you have your beets, give them a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt or debris. After washing, peel the beets using a vegetable peeler. Alternatively, you can leave the skin on if you prefer a more rustic look and enjoy the extra fiber it provides.
Slicing the Beets
Step 3: Thin and Even Slices
To achieve crispy and evenly cooked beet chips, it is crucial to slice the beets thinly. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the beets into thin discs, aiming for around 1/16th of an inch in thickness. If the slices are too thick, the chips may end up chewy rather than crispy.
Step 4: Uniformity is Key
Consistency in size is essential for even cooking. Try to slice the beets as uniformly as possible so that they cook at the same rate. This careful attention to detail will ensure that your beet chips are perfectly crispy without any burnt or undercooked pieces.
Microwaving the Beet Chips
Step 5: Seasoning
Once you have sliced the beets, it’s time to add some flavor. You can season your beet chips with a variety of spices, such as sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Alternatively, you can get creative and experiment with different herb and spice combinations to suit your taste buds.
Step 6: Arranging the Chips
Take a microwave-safe plate and arrange the beet slices on it in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the plate, as this may result in uneven cooking. If necessary, microwave the beet chips in batches.
Step 7: Microwaving Time
Place the plate with the beet slices in the microwave and cook on high power. Start with a cooking time of 3 minutes, then continue microwaving in 1-minute increments, checking the chips’ progress after each interval. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can quickly go from crispy to burnt.
Step 8: Flipping
After each cooking interval, it’s crucial to flip the beet chips to ensure even cooking and browning. You can use a pair of tongs or a fork to carefully flip each slice, taking caution not to burn yourself since the chips will be hot. Flipping the beet chips allows both sides to be exposed to the microwave’s heat and helps achieve that perfect crunch.
Finishing Touches and Storage
Step 9: Cooling and Crisping
Once you have achieved the desired level of crispiness, remove the beet chips from the microwave and let them cool on a wire rack or a paper towel. As they cool, they will become even crispier, giving you that delightful crunch you crave from a chip.
Step 10: Storing Your Beet Chips
If you manage not to devour all the beet chips immediately, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. However, they are often so delicious that they rarely last that long in my household.
Conclusion
Making beet chips in the microwave is a simple, quick, and healthy snacking option that requires minimal effort and delivers superb results. With just a few steps, you can transform fresh beets into crispy chips packed with natural flavors. So the next time you’re craving a crunchy snack, give this method a try and enjoy guilt-free snacking with a delightful twist!