Paleo Chips (all the crunch without the fried)

To avoid a long explanation, being Paleo means you consume foods that were available during the Paleolithic era. This is around 10,000 years ago before the introduction of farming and agriculture. This is also before the domestication of animals. These people were hunters and gatherers. Foods varied by season, but their diet consisted mainly of animal proteins, good fats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.

I've noticed there are two Paleo camps: (1) Those who are strict, abiding by the Paleo principles and (2) those who try to find "loopholes" in the Paleo contract.

This in mind, I belong to the strict camp.  I purchase fruits and vegetables that are seasonal and fresh. I buy only grass fed proteins. Each product should be as clean as possible. This means local, organic, and whole. It is important to me that the products I eat are grown, transported, and slaughtered properly. I avoid anything artificial or processed, too. The "strict" camp is not superior in any form, but I do believe if you're going Paleo for your overall health, you might want to consider sticking to the basic principles of Paleo until you are well established in these eating habits. You are what you eat.

However, some people who attempt Paleo try to "cheat" the system. They do not want to give up pancakes, dough-nuts, bread, sweets, ect. I understand those things are yummy - but Paleo people did not have access to coconut or almond flour. They did not have the costly substitutions needed to make a paleo friendly "bread". Technically things such as coconut flour are Paleo, but they're expensive and often trigger cravings for the real thing.

...but every once and awhile, I miss crunch. I miss crispiness. Hey - I'm human! I started avidly researching a way to take a simple Paleo product and enhance it without a lot of manipulation or cost. I wanted something that is whole - but still has a delicious crunch.

The result?

Paleo potato chips! Total cost per serving: a whopping 35 cents.

Here's what you need to create your own masterpiece of crispy goodness: 

• two sweet potatoes
• olive oil
• seasonings of your choice
• glass or plastic bowl
• oven
• knife
• cookie sheet

Step 1: PEEL YOUR SWEET POTATOES...should take about 1 minute ;)

 

Step 2: THINLY SLICE POTATOES - I recommend a good quality knife that is sharp (or using a mandolin if you have one on hand)

 

 

STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR OLIVE OIL AND DESIRED SEASONINGS. I prefer Trader Joes brand, but any type of olive oil will work. I chose seasonings I like, but the possibilities are endless.

 

 

STEP 4: ADD OLIVE OIL AND DESIRED SEASONINGS INTO GLASS/CLEAR BOWL. I use 4 tablespoons for 2 large potatoes and I whisk the seasonings in (do not add salt - salt at the end while they're hot from the oven). Add the sliced sweet potato the the olive oil and seasonings. Your hands will get messy but toss and coat potatoes evenly with olive oil and seasoning. You'll thank me later.

Note: If you want to avoid messy hands, you can also use a ziplock bag to ensure total coverage.

STEP 5: PLACE EVENLY COATED SLICES ON COOKIE SHEET. Do so in a single layer - they'll steam otherwise. Each potato slice needs his or her own space; do not crowd the pan. You'll thank yourself later.

 

STEP 6: Bake on 375 for 7-10 minutes. Then flip each slice over and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes. (This worked best on my oven but this could depend on your oven - you may need to play with the temperature and timing a bit).

STEP 7: Enjoy your crispy chips! Serve with a raw homemade salsa or paleo
hummus (made with zucchini instead of chick peas). I like to sprinkle sea salt on mine when they're hot from the oven. They're crispy, light, and flavorful.They're 100 percent paleo without relying on expensive gluten free flours. This is a choice I feel good about because I am not toeing the line and I am still enjoying a whole food product.