I first tried these Broccoli Bites from Doug's Public Kitchen and loved them. So I thought well I do have a dehydrator from way back in the day while I was in my dehydrating faze...I made kale chips, apple chips, banana chips and crackers. Then somehow my dehydrator made its way to the basement with other once-loved kitchen appliances, my crock pot, bread machine and sandwich press have all found a home in the basement too. Well no more, the dehydrator is back and I am making broccoli bites. I will admit it is a bit of work; you need to soak the nuts and seeds overnight, so some advanced planning is advised. If you are looking for a quick snack then open a bag of chips, dehydrating is not a speedy process, after 6 hours my big head of broccoli had reduced to barely two trays and it did not take long to eat the whole batch. I think next time I get a craving I will be heading over to Doug's Public Kitchen. In the meantime if you have a dehydrator hiding in the basement then try making this crunchy healthy snack.
Broccoli Bites
Broccoli bites are the new kale chips.
Careful, it is easy to eat the whole batch yourself, I did!
Ingredients:
3/4 cup raw sunflower seeds and/or cashews, soaked overnight and then drained, (I like to use a combinations of both)
1 red bell pepper, chopped into large chunks
1/2 carrot, chopped, chopped into large chunks
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne, (I like them a bit spicy so I added 1/2 tsp))
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 or 2 tbsp water, (if needed)
1 head of broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces, (about 6 cups)
Directions:
- Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- Put all ingredients except the broccoli, into a food processor and blend until smooth. If it is too thick add a bit of water. Depending on your food processor this will take a few minutes to become a thick paste.
- Pour this mixture into a medium sized bowl. Add the broccoli and toss it all together until well-coated.
- Spread the broccoli out onto the sheets of your dehydrator.
- For my dehydrator I set the temperature between 115 to 125 degrees for about 6 to 8 hours. Following your model’s instructions, dehydrate the broccoli until they’re totally dry and crunchy. Keep at room temperature to store.
Cooks Notes:
Note on storage: they do tend to lose their crispness. If you save up those little desicant packets you find in some packaged foods (like kale chips), place one or two of those in the container with the broccoli bites and it extends their shelf life...if you have any left to store!
The time needed to dehydrate the broccoli bites until crispy varies, as it depends on the temperature and humidity levels outside and in your house. Read the instruction for your brand of dehydrator. I have an Excalibur Dehydrator.
If you have any leftover 'sauce' - it makes a delicious dip for raw veggies.