| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 27g | 2g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 37g | 4g | 6g | 0.4g |
I’m going to let you in on a little secret. My comfort dish might not be a traditional Nebraskan beef stew or corn casserole. No, the dish that has my heart is my take on a beloved vegetable delight, the Fried Arrowhead Elephant Ears Chips. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?
This love-story began the first time I peeled an arrowhead root, the appealingly earthy aroma enveloping the room, and I knew I was making something special. Not just another regular dish but a delectable treat rooted (pun intended) in the very essence of nature’s bounty.
The Heartland’s Answer to Healthy Snacks
This artery-friendly snack originates from hearty root vegetables, rendering scores of the ingredient’s natural health benefits. Arrowhead roots, also known as duck potatoes, are abundant in essential vitamins and minerals and have been acclaimed to bolster immunity (source).
Oh, did I mention that this recipe ingeniously uses lemon and orange zests? Packed with calcium, iron, and Vitamin C, these colorful touches not only enhance the taste but also significantly boost its nutritional value.
Akin Dishes and Flavors
Now, if you have ever tasted plantain chips or have nibbled on some crispy potato chips, the Fried Arrowhead Elephant Ears Chips are somewhat a crossover hit. The unique blend of earthy-sweet arrowhead and tiny bits of zesty citrus undertones, set in a beautiful juxtaposition, strikes a melody that dances on your palate. Savor it with a refreshing glass of iced tea, or serve them at a potluck dinner as a gutsy alternative to your regular finger foods. They’d be a classic hit. Guaranteed.
Besides, I seem to have a knack for pairing these diamond-shaped chips with spicy chicken curry. Ah, that delicious contrast of spicy, sweet, and a tad bit tangy. A medley of flavors you wouldn’t want to miss.
There you have it, my dear friend—an audacious, nourishing snack recipe that dignifies the unpretentious roots, making them the ‘star’ of the dish. That’s exactly why the Fried Arrowhead Elephant Ears Chips recipe sits close to my heart, or in this case, my belly.
What You’ll Need
- 3 large arrowhead roots
- 1 quart of vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon of orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar for dusting
Method
Step One
First, you need to prepare the arrowhead roots. Thoroughly wash them and then use a sharp knife to peel off their skin. Once peeled, slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick.
Step Two
For the syrup, combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar in a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar is entirely dissolved. After that, add 1 tablespoon each of lemon and orange zest along with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, then remove the pan from heat and set it aside.
Step Three
In a large frying pan, heat the 1 quart of vegetable oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready for frying, drop a small piece of arrowhead root in the oil. If it starts to sizzle, the oil is ready. Start frying the arrowhead slices, few at a time, until they are golden brown. Be sure to flip them over to get an even cook. It should take approximately 5-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chips from the oil and drain them on a wire rack, over a baking sheet to catch the excess oil.
Step Four
While the fried arrowhead chips are still warm, dip them into the prepared syrup. Make sure each chip is well coated before setting them back onto the wire rack to dry. Repeat the process with the rest of the chips.
Step Five
Let the chips cool to room temperature. Once they are completely dry, dust them with a generous amount of powdered sugar. Serve your Fried Arrowhead Elephant Ears Chips with a refreshing drink on the side.
