I’ve always been a big fan of sweet potatoes. They’re not only delicious, but they also offer a ton of health benefits. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with different ways to prepare and preserve sweet potatoes, and one method that has really caught my attention is dehydrating them in the microwave. Not only is this method quick and easy, but it also allows me to create tasty and nutritious snacks that can be enjoyed on the go. In this article, I will share with you my step-by-step guide on how to dehydrate sweet potatoes in the microwave.
What You’ll Need
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
To get started with dehydrating sweet potatoes in the microwave, you’ll need a few basic ingredients and tools:
– Sweet potatoes: Choose fresh, firm sweet potatoes. The number of sweet potatoes you’ll need depends on how much you want to make.
– Knife: A sharp knife will be needed to slice the sweet potatoes into thin, even slices.
– Microwave-safe plates or trays: Make sure the plates or trays you use are safe to be used in the microwave.
– Paper towels: These will be used to blot the excess moisture from the sweet potatoes.
– Seasonings (optional): You can sprinkle your favorite seasonings such as cinnamon, paprika, or sea salt on the sweet potato slices before microwaving them.
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Wash and Peel
Start by washing the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Scrub them gently to remove any dirt or debris from the skin. Once clean, peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler or a knife. If you prefer to keep the skin on, make sure to scrub it well and remove any blemishes.
Slice Evenly
Using a sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes into thin, even slices. Aim for slices that are around 1/8 inch thick. This will ensure that the sweet potatoes dehydrate evenly and have a consistent texture once dried. If you have a mandoline slicer, you can use it to achieve thin and even slices more easily.
Blot Excess Moisture
After slicing the sweet potatoes, place them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Gently blot the slices to remove any excess moisture. This step is important because excess moisture can prevent the sweet potatoes from dehydrating properly.
Dehydrating in the Microwave
Arrange on Plates
Once the sweet potato slices are properly blotted, arrange them in a single layer on microwave-safe plates or trays. Make sure the slices are not overlapping to ensure even drying. You may need to dehydrate the sweet potatoes in multiple batches, depending on the amount you’re making.
Season (Optional)
If you want to add some extra flavor to your dehydrated sweet potato slices, now is the time to do it. Sprinkle your favorite seasonings, such as cinnamon, paprika, or sea salt, on top of the slices.
Microwave in Intervals
Place one plate of sweet potato slices in the microwave and set the power to low. Microwaving on low power ensures that the sweet potatoes dehydrate evenly without cooking. Start by microwaving for 3-4 minutes, then remove the plate from the microwave and carefully flip the slices. Return the plate to the microwave and continue microwaving in 1-2 minute intervals until the sweet potato slices are dry and crispy.
Cool and Store
Once the sweet potatoes are dehydrated to your desired crispiness, remove them from the microwave and let them cool completely. During the cooling process, the sweet potato slices will become even crispier. Once cooled, transfer the dehydrated sweet potatoes to an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Ways to Enjoy Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes
Now that you have your dehydrated sweet potatoes ready, there are countless ways to enjoy them:
– Snack on them as-is: Dehydrated sweet potatoes make a satisfying and nutritious snack on their own. They have a natural sweetness and a crunchy texture that is hard to resist.
– Add them to granola or trail mix: Crumble the dehydrated sweet potatoes and mix them with your favorite granola or trail mix for an added crunch and flavor.
– Use them as salad toppers: Break the dehydrated sweet potatoes into smaller pieces and sprinkle them on top of salads for a unique and crunchy twist.
– Make sweet potato chips: Season the dehydrated sweet potato slices with your favorite spices and enjoy them as an alternative to traditional potato chips.
In conclusion, dehydrating sweet potatoes in the microwave is a quick and easy way to preserve and enjoy the nutritional benefits of this versatile vegetable. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to create crispy and delicious dehydrated sweet potato slices that can be enjoyed on their own or used in a variety of recipes. So why not give it a try and make your own batch of dehydrated sweet potatoes today?