Beet Chips Raw Recipe
Ask anyone who knows me what my biggest downfall is when it comes to food, and they will tell you potato chips. When stress mounts, I can just hear the chips little voices. “Susan, we will make you feel better. Susan, we are crunchy and salty. Susan, we taste so good.” What they forget to say is, “Susan, we will bloat you like there is no tomorrow. We will load your bloodstream with fat. The oil we have been fried in will clog your arteries and you will feel like crap shortly after you eat us.” I know all of this but for some reason, when I am in that moment, the only thing I seem to hear is the chips siren song.
I have tried to find some alternatives that I really like. Potatoes just don’t get a good texture in the dehydrator. Plus, I am looking for color (phytonutrients) in my food. I had picked up some beets at the market, thinking that I would pickle them. But when I pulled them out, I changed my mind. Grabbing the mandoline, I started slicing. A little cider vinegar was added along with a final touch of Himalayan salt and a sprinkle of pepper. Into the dehydrator and 24 hours later I had a delicious snack that is giving those potato chips a run.
Dehydration Tip
Don’t worry about the higher start temp. In the beginning, the food stays cool because it is throwing off water. The food will never get above the 118 degrees to stay raw.
Beet Chips
- 5 beets, I used golden and red
- 1/4 cup raw cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- Himalayan salt and pepper to taste
- Mix together cider vinegar, oil and water. Set aside.
- Slice the beets very thin. I used a mandoline for this.
- Soak the sliced beets in the water mixture for about 10 minutes. You may have to toss to coat.
- Spread on screens, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Dehydrate at 145 for 45 minutes, reduce heat to 115 and continue dehydrating for about 24 hours or until chips are crunchy.
*Note: Don’t worry about beginning dehydration temp. The food never goes above 115 and it’s raw integrity is not compromised. You can read more here: Dehydration
Sylvia wrote on May 28, 2011
Those look so appealing! I’ve actually never had beets in any form, I’m not sure why not. I did try making kale chips once or twice, but they wouldn’t count as raw, since I did it in the oven. Perhaps I should invest in a dehydrator, if I can fit it into the budget.
Judy wrote on May 28, 2011
mmm, that would be “plant” not pant 🙂
Judy wrote on May 28, 2011
Oh my, what a stunning photograph! Inspires me to pant my red and white pinwheel beets today, and definitely will give these a try! Thank you!
Susan wrote on May 27, 2011
Rosanne, I would suggest spending some time on the site. There are tons of articles and recipes here. Also, my cookbook, Easy Raw Food is a great resource.
Maggie wrote on May 26, 2011
Chips are my downfall too! I love the texture, the crunch and the salt too! I hear them calling my name, that siren song, when I’m stressed/worried as well lol 😀 These are a great idea, i’ve done the kale chip a few times and attempted the potato (your right, odd texture)..so i’m totally up for trying beets! Thanks for the awesome recipe!!
xoxo
Maggie
Roxanne wrote on May 26, 2011
Thank you!
Carol wrote on May 26, 2011
These remind me of the Terra Chips as well. They look soooo delicious! Thank you for the recipe! 🙂
Rosanne wrote on May 26, 2011
I need a dehydrator. what do you suggest for a newbie to this way of eating ?
Eco Mama wrote on May 26, 2011
Vinegar eh? Interesting… These look just like those uber-fatty (and yummy) Terra Chips. Definitely want to try these.
xo
Eco Mama