“Mmmm, these are actually really good. They taste a lot like potato chips!” says my pickier eater before she eats nearly the entire bowl. I’m always looking for healthy snacks for my kids and these beet chips were a winner. I try to have healthy(er) options out on the counter when my kids come home from school and are somehow always ravenous. They’d be happy to scarf down junk food, but I find that having easily accessible options can sway their choices. This means having snacks out on the counter, in arms reach, and very visible. Product placement is everything, even in your own kitchen! While this goes against my anti-clutter preference, this strategy has served us well since they were very young. If you don’t have time to make homemade snacks on a regular basis, try making a fruit bowl as a central focal point in your kitchen. Displaying a spread of healthy dips (like hummus, babaganoush or olive tapenade) is also a great option, especially when paired with raw veggies or crackers. In the past, I’ve also put out glass containers of raw nuts and dried fruit – I love the combination of raw pistachios and golden raisins! The addition of these wild rice sticks (not gluten-free) makes it a nice trail mix. Glass is key, so the snack is visible and sells itself.
Beets are a super nutritious snack, and in “potato chip” form, satisfies both that crunchy and salty craving. They are also high in immune-boosting vitamin C, gut health supportive fiber, and essential minerals like potassium and manganese. Eating beets can be considered a protective measure. Betacyanin, the pigment that gives beets it’s deep red color, is a potent anti-carcinogen. In addition, beets are known to support detoxification helping to purify your blood and your liver. Containing betaine, it helps protects cells, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress. Yes, you can eat chips while protecting your body from environmental toxins! Looking for more beet dishes? Try this Roasted Beet Basil Salad or this Roasted Beets & Brussels Sprouts Farro.
Beet Chips
Looking for that salty crunchy fix? Try these beet chips. Beets help support liver detoxification by making the liver more efficient at clearing toxins. They're also loaded with phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and trace minerals. Yes, you can have your chips and all these health benefits!
Ingredients
- 3 large beets scrubbed well
- 1 1/2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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If your beets are organic, no need to peel them. Using a mandoline, slice each beet very thinly (approximately 1/16th of an inch). You can also do this by hand, but be sure to use a sharp knife.
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In a bowl, put sliced beets. Toss beets with avocado oil and sea salt. Allow beets to sit for around 15-20 minutes. This allows the beets to sweat, or release moisture, and allows for more uniform crispiness. Drain excess water.
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Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread beets in one layer across baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, rotating baking sheet once halfway through cooking.
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Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.