Chewy & Sweet Semi-Dried Sweet Potato Snacks (Microwave Method)
Homemade Semi-Dried Sweet Potato Snacks Made Effortlessly in the Microwave
Sweet potato snacks, or ‘malang-i’, are becoming increasingly popular as a healthy treat for all ages! Don’t worry if you don’t have a food dehydrator. This recipe will show you how to easily make wonderfully chewy and sweet semi-dried sweet potato snacks right in your own kitchen using your microwave. While the process involves some steps, the resulting flavor is exceptionally rich. Shall we get started?
Essential Ingredients
- 3-4 cooked sweet potatoes (choose your favorite: honey sweet potato, Japanese sweet potato, or pumpkin sweet potato)
- Parchment paper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and boil them with the skin on. Once cooked, let them cool completely before peeling. I used honey sweet potatoes for their sweetness, but any variety like Japanese or pumpkin sweet potatoes will yield delicious results.
Step 2
Peel the cooled sweet potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. To prevent them from breaking apart easily, aim for a consistent thickness of about 1 to 1.5 cm (approximately 0.5 inches).
Step 3
Line a microwave-safe plate with parchment paper. Arrange the cut sweet potato pieces on the paper, making sure they don’t overlap. This step helps prevent sticking and aids in moisture evaporation.
Step 4
Place the plate with the arranged sweet potatoes into the microwave.
Step 5
Now, for the drying process. This part involves some repetition but is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, then let it rest for 2 minutes. Repeat this 2-minute cooking and 2-minute resting cycle once more (total 2 mins cook + 2 mins rest, repeated twice). Next, microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds, followed by a 2-minute rest. Finally, microwave for another 1 minute and 30 seconds. **********If the sweet potatoes cool down during the process, you can flip them over and repeat the entire sequence for even better results. (When repeating, ensure the sweet potatoes are warm before starting the next cycle.)
Step 6
You’ll notice condensation, or water droplets, forming on the surface of the sweet potatoes during microwaving. This is the moisture from inside the sweet potato evaporating. Gently wipe away these droplets with a paper towel periodically. Removing this moisture is key to achieving a chewy texture.
Step 7
Here’s what the sweet potatoes look like after the initial two 2-minute cooking cycles with resting periods. The white foam you might see on the surface is a natural occurrence caused by the high sugar content evaporating with the moisture. It’s a sign of their sweetness!
Step 8
As you continue the process, you’ll notice the sweet potatoes gradually taking on a more defined shape and becoming chewier.
Step 9
The surface will start to dry out. They are ready when they feel slightly firm and don’t leave any sticky residue on your fingers.
Step 10
Once the microwaving is complete, you can enjoy the snacks immediately. For an even chewier and denser texture, you can further air-dry them at room temperature for about half a day. This additional drying also helps extend their shelf life.
Step 11
Voilà! Your perfectly chewy and dense semi-dried sweet potato snacks are ready. They look delicious, don’t they?
Step 12
Take a bite, and you’ll experience a delightful texture that’s soft yet satisfyingly chewy. It’s akin to eating sweet potato jelly! The natural sweetness of the sweet potato is perfectly preserved, making these an ideal snack for children and a wonderful treat to enjoy with tea for adults.
