Astronaut Spuds Homemade FreezeDried Potato Crisps

Astronaut Spuds Homemade Freezedried Potato Cris

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered what astronauts snack on? Honestly, freeze drying potatoes opens up a whole new world of snacking! These homemade crisps are seriously addictive.
Brief Overview
These astronaut spuds are inspired by long-lasting space food. The recipe is of medium difficulty because it requires a freeze dryer.
It'll take a total of 24- 36 hours to prep and freeze, yielding around 4 servings.
Main Benefits
Forget boring bagged chips! The health benefit is that you are controlling all the ingredients. These are perfect for movie night, or even adding crunch to your soup.
Alright, let's get these spuds sorted, shall we? This recipe will create crispy, flavorful treats. Think of them as the Great British Bake Off, but for potato crisps! We're aiming for that gold standard.
Ready to ditch the usual crisps? Let's dive into the ingredients we'll need for these freeze dried potato crisps .
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's get these spuds sorted, shall we? Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. We are going to discuss freeze drying potatoes so that you can create astronaut food potatoes.
Main Ingredients
We’re making freeze dried potato chips.
- 2 medium russet potatoes (about 500g / 1.1 lb ) – Look for firm potatoes. Avoid any with sprouts or soft spots.
- Water, for soaking – Use cold, clean tap water.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml ) – Extra virgin olive oil gives the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ( 5 ml ) – Fresh garlic doesn’t work here. It is too moist!
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder ( 2.5 ml ) – Don't skip this. It adds a lovely sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika ( 1.25 ml ) – This is the secret for a great flavour.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Adjust to your taste.
I once tried using old potatoes, and oh my gosh! The result was so bad! It was a complete disaster. Freeze dried potatoes need the best ingredients.
Seasoning Notes
Want to make these freeze dried potato crisps amazing? It's all about the spices.
A good combo is garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Freeze drying can mute flavours. So be generous!
Don't have smoked paprika? Normal paprika works too. Want a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Equipment Needed
You don't need much to make freeze dried potatoes.
- Mandoline or sharp knife – This helps slice the potatoes thinly.
- Large bowl – For soaking the potatoes.
- Baking sheet – To get ready to freeze-dry.
- Parchment paper – To prevent sticking.
- Freeze dryer – Obviously essential for freeze drying potatoes, but consider if you can use dehydrated potatoes if you don't have one.
- Food Processor - It makes the crisp!
- Airtight jar - To store your homemade freeze dried snacks
Don't have a mandoline? A sharp knife will do. Just be careful! Aim for consistent slices, alright?
Honestly, that's it. Simple, right? Now you're ready to make some awesome astronaut spuds! Let's start making this freeze dried potatoes recipe!.
Astronaut Spuds: Making Your Own Freeze-Dried Potato Crisps!
Alright, let's get these spuds sorted, shall we? I'm talking about proper freeze drying potatoes at home. You know, those crispy, out-of-this-world snacks.
They almost remind you of astronaut food potatoes , but way better.
I’ve got a super fun recipe here. And honestly, who doesn't love a crispy potato chip? These crispy freeze dried potatoes are going to blow your mind.
Prep Steps: Get Organized, Get Safe!
First, mise en place is key. Peel 2 medium russet potatoes. Then, slice them thinly using a mandoline or a very sharp knife.
We are aiming for 1/16 inch (1.5 mm). Trust me, consistent thickness is vital for even freeze drying .
Next, an optional, but recommended step: place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This helps remove starch and makes them extra crispy.
Drain and pat them dry completely after. I once skipped this step, and the chips weren't as good. Honestly, you don’t want that!
Time-saving tip: While the potatoes are soaking, mix up your seasoning! And remember kids, knives are sharp! Always slice away from your body.
Step-by-Step Process: From Spud to Snack!
- Peel the potatoes.
- Slice the potatoes super thin!
- Soak the slices in cold water for 30 minutes. This part matters.
- Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Don't be shy.
- Spread slices on freeze dryer trays, single layer.
- Freeze dry according to your machine's instructions (usually 20- 30 hours ).
- Smash the freeze dried potatos in a food processor to produce a crisp.
- Store in an airtight container.
Watch for doneness: The potatoes should be completely dry and brittle. Don't be afraid to peek and check on them during the process.
If you are going to eat these, you want the longest food storage potatoes.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Spud Game
Want to take your freeze dried potato chips to the next level? Try this: Toss the potatoes in a little melted butter for extra flavor and crunch.
Avoid overcrowding the trays, or they will stick together. This can affect the freeze dried potato crisps outcome. I learned that the hard way.
You know?
For a quick shortcut, try using pre-cut, pre-shredded potatoes. The freeze dried potatoes recipe will be quicker. And if you're feeling adventurous, these are great as homemade freeze dried snacks .
Store them in a cool, dark place for optimal crispness. They should stay good for ages, perfect for long-term food storage! Think Great British Bake Off , but for potato chips.
Freeze drying potatoes for long term food storage is such a great option.
Recipe Notes
Alright, let's get these spuds sorted, shall we? Before you launch into making these Astronaut Spuds , a few extra thoughts from my own kitchen adventures.
Honestly, sometimes it's the little things that make or break a recipe, you know?
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
So, plating these is pretty straightforward. I like to arrange them artfully on a plate. These crispy freeze dried potatoes are perfect as an appetizer before your Sunday roast.
Or, think outside the box – crush 'em up and sprinkle them on top of a soup for a satisfying crunch.
They're also amazing with a classic French onion dip, or even better, a homemade aioli! Oh my gosh, the possibilities!
Storage Tips: Keepin' 'Em Crisp
Here's the thing with freeze dried potato chips they love moisture like I love a good cuppa. After the freeze-drying cycle is done, make sure those homemade freeze dried snacks are in a completely airtight container.
Pop them in a cool, dark cupboard. They'll stay crisp for weeks, maybe even months. I haven’t had mine for longer than a few weeks because I eat them so quickly.
Refrigeration isn't necessary, and freezing after freeze-drying is pointless. Reheating? Nah, these are meant to be enjoyed cold. But if you want to try something weird, you could blitz them into a powder and use it to thicken a stew! Now that’s next-level potato-ing!
Variations: Get Creative with Your Spuds
Fancy a bit of spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning. Spicy Spuds , sorted! Or, for a healthier twist, try using sweet potatoes instead of russets – you'll have freeze dried potato crisps with a slightly sweeter flavour.
Seasonal ingredient swaps? Absolutely! In autumn, a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweet potatoes would be divine. For my vegan friends, swap the olive oil for avocado oil.
Nutrition Basics: Fuel for Your Space Adventures
Okay, so let's get down to brass tacks. Each serving of these astronaut food potatoes packs about 150 calories. You're getting some protein (3g), a bit of fat (6g) from the olive oil, and a decent amount of carbs (20g).
Plus, 2g of fibre – gotta keep things moving on that space station, right? The best part? You're controlling the sodium, unlike those shop-bought crisps.
You know?
Right then! You've got all the info you need to make these epic long term food storage potatoes . Freeze drying potatoes might sound intimidating, but honestly, it's mostly hands-off time.
Good luck, and may your potato crisps be the envy of the entire "Great British Bake Off" tent!
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm intrigued! What exactly does "freeze drying potatoes" do, and why bother? Is it worth the effort?
Freeze drying potatoes removes almost all the moisture, resulting in a super concentrated potato flavor and an incredibly light, crispy texture. Think astronaut ice cream, but with potatoes! Whether it's worth the effort depends on if you enjoy the unique texture and flavor, and if you already have a freeze dryer. It's a fun experiment, and the result is a shelf-stable snack that's different from your average potato chip. It makes a unique and interesting snack to bring to dinner parties to introduce to your friends!
Help! My freeze-dried potatoes aren't crispy. What did I do wrong?
Several factors can affect the crispiness. Firstly, ensure your potato slices are sliced as thinly as possible— a mandoline is ideal for consistent thickness. Also, make sure the potatoes are arranged in a single layer on the freeze dryer trays to prevent overcrowding and uneven freeze-drying. Finally, be absolutely certain the freeze-drying cycle completes fully, removing all moisture. You may want to set the freeze drier for a little bit longer if this occurs.
Can I use different types of potatoes? What kind works best for freeze drying potatoes?
While russet potatoes are recommended for their high starch content and ability to crisp up well, you can experiment with other varieties! Yukon Gold potatoes will have a slightly creamier texture, and sweet potatoes offer a naturally sweet flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust your seasonings accordingly to complement the potato's natural taste. It's a bit like choosing your player in a video game; each potato type has its own special abilities.
How long will these freeze-dried potato crisps last, and what's the best way to store them? I'm thinking of making a big batch!
Thanks to the freeze-drying process, these crisps can last for months, even years, if stored properly! The key is an airtight container. A vacuum-sealed bag or a jar with a tight-fitting lid will prevent moisture from seeping in and ruining their crispness. Think of it like preserving a fine vintage wine; proper storage is crucial for maintaining quality.
Is freeze-drying potatoes nutritious? Does the process affect the nutritional value?
Freeze-drying does retain a good amount of the potato's original nutritional value. While some vitamins, like Vitamin C, might degrade slightly, the minerals and fiber content remain relatively unchanged. Keep in mind that the added seasonings will also contribute to the overall nutritional profile, so be mindful of your sodium intake. However, the main benefit is the creation of a low moisture, lightweight and shelf stable product with prolonged use.