Pumpkin Chips

Pumpkin chips are a delicious snack and a fun alternative to classic potato chips. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

• Pumpkin (preferably Mantovana or Delica variety, which are sweeter and less watery)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• (Optional) Spices of your choice such as paprika, curry, or thyme

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. Clean the pumpkin by removing the skin and seeds.
3. Cut the pumpkin into very thin slices, preferably with a mandoline for an even thickness.
4. Lay the pumpkin slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and, if desired, selected spices.
6. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and crisp. It is important to watch the chips in the final minutes to prevent them from burning.
7. Once ready, remove the chips from the oven and let them cool on a rack to maintain crispiness.

As an Italian variation, you could try sprinkling the chips with a bit of grated Parmesan cheese shortly before finishing baking, so that it melts and adds a flavorful touch.

Curiosity

Pumpkin is not just tasty but also rich in beneficial properties; it is an excellent source of vitamins, especially vitamin A, and is mostly made up of water and fiber, which makes it very digestible and low in calories.