| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins -20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 160 | 6g | 0.8g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 4g | 3g | 0.39g |
I have a delightful treat to share with you today: Baked Spine Gourd Chips. It’s a crispy, healthy, and delicious alternative to your traditional potato chips. Combining the heartiness of my Italian-American roots with an innovative twist, these vibrant chips capture the essence of my love for cooking, while promoting a healthy lifestyle. To see it, just follow the link: Baked Spine Gourd Chips.
Italian Roots and Healthy Greens
Breathing the spirit of my Italian ancestors into every dish means making meals that both delight the palate and nurture the body. My grandparents were experts at using modest, earthy ingredients, turning them into grand feasts. Much like this recipe, Baked Spine Gourd Chips, infuses a heap of humble gourds with simple seasonings to create a snack that’s undeniably sumptuous and healthy.
Drawing Inspiration from Familiar Plates
These chips remind me of Italian “Crostini,” a dish often found in my grandmother’s kitchen. Crostini are small, thin slices of toasted bread, often drizzled with olive oil. Here, the gourds stand in for the traditional bread, transforming a familiar favorite into something exciting and new. Considering a dip into a tangy marinara or a creamy aioli, these chips make a perfect side dish to a hearty Spaghetti Bolognese or a simple Caprese salad.
Health Aspects
Beyond flavor, this recipe embraces healthiness. Spine Gourds are low in calories but rich in nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, and dietary fibers that promote healthy digestion. Combined with the robust antioxidant properties of olive oil and the metabolic boosting powers of chili powder, these chips are not just a tasty treat but a boon to your well-being. It’s food that makes you feel good, in more ways than one.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious snack, a healthy alternative, or a connection to the old country, Baked Spine Gourd Chips might just become your new favorite. I’m excited to share this piece of my kitchen with you and look forward to hearing about your own cooking adventures. Buon appetito!
What You’ll Need
- 12 small spine gourds
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary or oregano) (optional)
- 1/2 lime, juiced
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, thoroughly wash the spine gourds. You don’t need to peel them as the skin adds to the crunchiness of the chips.
Step Two
Cut the spine gourds into evenly thin slices, and discard the hard seed portion. Remember, the thinner you slice them, the crispier they will be after baking.
Step Three
Place the spine gourd slices in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, ensuring all the slices are evenly coated. Then sprinkle salt, black pepper, optional chili powder, and optional dried herbs over the slices. Toss them together until all slices are well seasoned.
Step Four
Arrange the seasoned spine gourd slices evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Avoid overlapping to ensure the slices cook equally and become crispy.
Step Five
Put the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the edges start to go slightly brown. Baking time may depend on the thickness of your slices and oven settings, so keep an eye on them.
Step Six
Retire the tray from the oven and let the chips cool down for a few minutes. Squeeze the juice from the half lime over the chips for an extra refreshing flavor before serving. Enjoy these crunchy baked spine gourd chips as a healthy alternative to your regular potato chips!
