Healthy snack for the family

CREATING healthy snacks, especially with the presence of small children, can be a delightful challenge.

The goal is to instil a diet that is not only delicious but also low in oil and sugar.

While I’ve prepared these homemade treats before some time ago, employing the conventional method which involves deep-frying them to achieve that coveted puffiness, this time I’m experimenting with pasta chips, opting to bake them in the oven instead.

I’ve also heard whispers of success with an air fryer, adding another layer of exploration to this culinary journey.

In my quest for a healthier snack, I’ve unravelled a culinary secret to combat potential chewiness induced by baking.

Boiling the pasta slightly beyond the soft side of al dente emerges as the key technique, ensuring a satisfyingly crisp texture whether baked in the oven or air-fried.

While bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is the classic choice for these chips, the culinary canvas is vast.

Experimentation is encouraged – substitute with other pasta shapes such as conchiglie (shells), rigatoni or penne, allowing personal preferences to shape the snack experience.

The art of seasoning plays a pivotal role in elevating the flavour profile of these pasta chips.

A drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a dash of grated Parmesan contribute to a harmonious blend.

Feel free to venture further with preferred flavours and spices, turning each batch into a unique creation.

And if you do not have to cater to children, do not hesitate to throw in some chilli flakes to inject a burst of fiery excitement.

While a dipping condiment may not be necessary, it does present an opportunity for enhanced flavour and communal snacking.

For those seeking simplicity, a bottle of sweet chilli sauce is an effortless and flavourful accompaniment, adding a touch of sweetness and heat to each bite.

Whether enjoyed solo or shared among friends, these bowtie pasta chips promise to add a touch of culinary delight to any celebration, making them a perfect choice for those who seek a balance between wholesome eating and indulgent snacking.

Farfalle chips

Ingredients

250g farfalle, or any pasta of your choice

1 tbsp salt to taste

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp chilli flakes

1 tbsp parsley flakes

1 tbsp black pepperDipping sauce½ cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp curry powder

Directions

Bring water to boil and season with salt. Boil pasta for eight to 10 minutes until al dente, then drain into a mixing bowl.

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with chilli flakes, parsley flakes and pepper and stir until well coated. Add salt if necessary.

Arrange pasta in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated 225°C oven for 25 minutes until crispy and lightly golden.

Toss the chips around and bake another five to 10 minutes if necessary to get an even crispiness.

Serve immediately with dipping sauce.

To prepare the dipping sauce, stir the mayonnaise and curry powder together until combined and garnish with chilli and parsley flakes.