Honey ginger chips are indeed a delightful and healthy snack option, combining the spicy warmth of ginger with the sweetness of honey. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making them at home:
### Ingredients:
– 1 large fresh ginger root
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup sugar (optional, for coating)
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Ginger:**
– Peel the ginger root using a spoon or vegetable peeler.
– Slice the ginger into thin, uniform slices. A mandoline slicer works best, but a sharp knife can also be used.
2. **Boil the Ginger:**
– In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
– Add the ginger slices to the boiling water and let them boil for about 10 minutes to soften them.
– Drain the ginger slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. **Prepare the Honey Syrup:**
– In the same saucepan, combine the honey and 1/2 cup of water.
– Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the honey is dissolved.
4. **Cook the Ginger:**
– Add the boiled ginger slices to the honey syrup.
– Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the ginger slices become translucent and the syrup thickens slightly.
5. **Dry the Ginger:**
– Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
– Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove the ginger slices from the syrup and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
– Optional: Sprinkle the ginger slices with a little sugar if you prefer sweeter chips.
6. **Bake the Ginger:**
– Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
– Bake the ginger slices for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are dry and slightly crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
7. **Cool and Store:**
– Remove the ginger chips from the oven and let them cool completely.
– Once cooled, they should be crisp. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
### Benefits:
– **Nutritional Value**: Ginger is known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
– **Healing Properties**: These chips can help soothe sore throats and coughs.
– **Flavor**: They make for a delicious snack or a flavorful addition to various recipes.
Enjoy your homemade honey ginger chips as a wholesome and satisfying treat!