Food dehydrators like the Ronco Dehydrator are great for preserving food and making healthy snacks. Whether you want to make fruit chips, jerky, or dried herbs a dehydrator opens up a whole new world of cooking possibilities. In this article, we will be sharing some easy and tasty Ronco dehydrator recipes you can try at home. These recipes are easy to follow and perfect for beginners and experienced dehydrator users alike.
Why a Ronco Dehydrator?
- Easy to use: perfect for beginners
- Affordable: great value for money
- Versatile: dehydrate fruits, vegetables, meats, herbs
Using a dehydrator not only preserves food but also makes healthy homemade meals and snacks with no preservatives or added sugars.
Fruit Chips
Apple Chips
Apple chips are a dehydrator classic. They are crispy, sweet, and a great summer snack.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 apples (any variety)
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Wash and core the apples. You can peel them if you like but it’s not necessary.
- Slice the apples thinly, 1/8 inch thick.
- If you want to prevent browning dip the slices in lemon juice.
- Place the slices on the dehydrator trays in a single layer.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
- Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dry for 6-8 hours or until crisp.
Banana Chips
Banana chips are another easy one.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 ripe bananas
- Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Peel and slice the bananas into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Dip the slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Place the banana slices on the dehydrator trays in a single layer.
- Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dry for 8-12 hours or until crisp.
Jerky
Beef Jerky
Making your own beef jerky is not only cheaper but also you can control the ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds lean beef (sirloin, flank, round)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Trim the fat from the beef and slice into thin strips, 1/4 inch thick.
- In a sizeable bowl add together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Add the beef strips to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Place the beef strips on the dehydrator trays in a single layer.
- Set the dehydrator to 160°F (71°C) and dry for 4-6 hours or until dry but still slightly flexible.
Vegetables
Zucchini Chips
Zucchini chips are a healthier version of potato chips.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 zucchinis
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Any additional seasoning (garlic powder, paprika, etc.)
Instructions:
- Wash and slice the zucchini into 1/8-inch thick slices.
- Toss the zucchini slices with a little olive oil to coat.
- Season with salt and any other seasonings you like.
- Place the slices on the dehydrator trays in a single layer.
- Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dry for 6-8 hours or until crisp.
Herbs
Dried Basil
Dehydrating herbs is a great way to preserve the flavor for use all year round.
Ingredients:
- Fresh basil (or any other herb)
Instructions:
- Wash the basil and dry.
- Remove the leaves from the stems.
- Place the leaves on the dehydrator trays in a single layer.
- Set the dehydrator to 95°F (35°C) and dry for 2-4 hours or until the basil is dry and crumbly.
Tips
Preparation
Proper preparation is key to dehydrating. Make sure to slice your food evenly so it dries evenly.
Checking Drying Times
Drying times will vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the humidity. Always check your food periodically to avoid over-drying.
Storing Dried Food
Store your dried food in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Properly dried and stored food will last several months to a year.
Conclusion
The Ronco Dehydrator is a great tool that can help you make all sorts of tasty and healthy snacks at home. Whether you’re making fruit chips, jerky, or dried herbs, these recipes are a good starting point. Try different seasonings and flavors to find your favorites. Happy dehydrating!
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