Crispy Chips: Sweet Potato, Beets, Thyme...

I was at the farmer's market the other day and all of a sudden, a mesmerizing scent breezes through the air. It smells delightfully herby and each step I take hints to me that I am getting closer to this wonderful thing that has perfumed the crisp air of an autumn early afternoon. My olfactory senses continue to guide me to the "source"...and poof! There it is: a mountain of thyme! Simply irresistible, I buy a generous bunch that I'll use in a multitude of ways- namely in these Homemade Crispy Crunchy Oven Baked Sweet Potato & Beets chips! 

So I am now left with some wonderful thyme and a recent obsession of sweet potatoes... there is just something so comforting about a baked sweet potato in this chilly weather. This root vegetable is not only delicious, but super healthy rich in fiber, beta-carotene, vitamins B and potassium (just to name a few!). Sweet potatoes are also versatile- they can be enjoyed creamy, chunky or.... crispy! Pair them with beets and you'll have a beautiful crunchy set of chips with a fragrant thyme twist!

Tasty and pretty!

Recipe for Crispy Oven Baked Chips: Sweet Potato, Beets & Thyme

Sweet potatoes

Beets (uncooked ones!)

Olive oil

Thyme

Salt 

Preheat oven to 350F/180C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. 

With a mandolin, thinly slice your sweet potatoes & beets. Slice the sweet potatoes first and then the beets- I recommend that you keep them in separate bowls and do the beets last (as they slightly stain). Drizzle each bowl with some olive oil, toss gently and spread in a single layer on baking tray. Sprinkle with thyme and salt and off to the oven they go! Bake one tray at a time for 30-40 mins rotating the tray once half way through (to ensure that all sides crisp and get baked evenly). 

Notes:

Use 1-2 tablespoons olive oil per large sweet potato or large beet. You don't want the sliced veggies to swim in oil, but rather to be evenly and lightly coated. 

The thinner you slice your chips, the crispier they will be! 

Also- these things shrink in the oven! Each slice comes out smaller once baked! 

Lastly, thyme as a flavour addition is just a suggestion... the choices are endless! Think anywhere between the ranges of spicy (cayenne) to sweet (cinnamon)! Most importantly, enjoy!!