These homemade sweet potato chips offer the perfect combination of crispy texture and natural sweetness without the guilt of deep frying. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, these gluten-free crackers are an ideal healthy snack for any time of day. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with sesame seeds and a touch of jaggery, creating a satisfying crunch that rivals store-bought chips.
Ingredients
- 14 oz sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons jaggery powder (or granulated sugar)
- 1/4 cup rice flour
- 1 tablespoon mixed sesame seeds (black and white)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes Peel and wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Cut them into thick, uniform chunks to ensure even cooking during the steaming process.
Step 2: Set Up for Steaming Take a large bowl and fill it with water. Place a steamer basket inside the bowl, ensuring the water level doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket.
Step 3: Steam the Sweet Potatoes Add the sweet potato chunks to the steamer basket. Cover the bowl completely and steam the sweet potatoes until they become completely soft and tender. This process typically takes 15-20 minutes depending on the size of your chunks.
Making the Dough
Step 4: Create the Base Once the sweet potatoes are cooked through, transfer them to a clean bowl. Mash them thoroughly until completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps remaining. The consistency should be creamy and uniform.
Step 5: Add Flavor Components Add the unsalted butter to the warm mashed sweet potatoes, allowing it to melt completely. Incorporate the jaggery powder and a pinch of salt, mixing well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference.
Step 6: Form the Dough Gradually add the rice flour to the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the mixed sesame seeds and continue mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth, cohesive ball that’s easy to handle.
Shaping and Baking
Step 7: Portion the Dough Take approximately 1/2 tablespoon of dough (10-12g) and roll it into a small ball between your palms. Repeat this process until all dough is portioned.
Step 8: Shape the Chips Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place each dough ball on a flat surface covered with baking paper. Gently flatten each ball into a thin disc shape, maintaining uniform thickness for even baking.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection Preheat your oven to 140°C (285°F). Arrange the flattened discs on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Bake for 40 minutes or until the chips turn golden brown and achieve a crispy texture.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 60 minutes (including steaming and baking) Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Servings: 4-6 people Yield: Approximately 20-24 chips
Nutritional Information per serving (5 chips):
- Calories: 95
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
These sweet potato chips are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, and dietary fiber while being naturally gluten-free and containing no artificial preservatives.
Variations and Substitutions
Sweet Alternatives
Replace jaggery powder with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for different flavor profiles. Brown sugar can also be used as a direct substitute, though it will alter the taste slightly.
Flour Substitutions
For those avoiding rice flour, substitute with tapioca flour, potato starch, or cornstarch in equal quantities. Each will create a slightly different texture but maintain the crispy quality.
Seed and Spice Variations
Experiment with different seeds such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or nigella seeds. Add spices like cinnamon, cardamom powder, or a pinch of ginger powder for aromatic variations.
Savory Version
Create a savory version by omitting the jaggery and adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Oil-Free Option
For a completely oil-free version, omit the butter and add an extra tablespoon of mashed sweet potato to maintain moisture and binding.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store these crispy sweet potato chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For maximum crispiness, ensure they are completely cooled before storing. These chips pair excellently with herbal teas, coffee, or can be enjoyed as a standalone healthy snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these chips without a steamer? Yes, you can boil the sweet potato chunks in water until tender or roast them in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes until soft. The steaming method is preferred as it retains more nutrients and doesn’t add extra moisture.
Why are my chips not crispy enough? Ensure the oven temperature is accurate using an oven thermometer. The chips need sufficient baking time at the correct temperature. If they’re still soft after 40 minutes, continue baking in 5-minute increments until crispy. Also, make sure the chips are rolled thin enough.
Can I prepare the dough in advance? The dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking. The shaped chips can also be frozen on the baking tray and baked directly from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to achieve uniform thickness? Use a rolling pin between two sheets of parchment paper to roll out portions of dough to consistent thickness. Alternatively, use the bottom of a flat glass or measuring cup to press down evenly on each dough ball.
Can I double the recipe? This recipe doubles easily. Use two baking trays and rotate their positions halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. You may need to extend the baking time slightly when baking larger quantities.
These homemade sweet potato chips offer a nutritious alternative to processed snacks while satisfying your craving for something crispy and flavorful. The natural sweetness combined with the nutty sesame seeds creates a delightful treat that both adults and children will enjoy.