raw dehydrated eggplant "fries"

i don't know about where you are, but here in california the local eggplants are so beautiful! 
eggplants are kind of a tough veggie to figure out and make in a way everyone will love. often even when they are well cooked, the skin is tough and they can get quite chewy. 

SO this time around i peeled them & figured out how to make them nice and crispy/crunchy and easy to munch! plus they're freaking delicious. i guess i do like anything titled "fries" though (doesn't everyone?) but maybe these are a little more like chips...depending on how long you dehydrate them. still, everyone likes chips. chips are good. so try them! if you don't have a dehydrator, an oven on it's lowest temp will work, it just won't take as long-so watch them close!

ingredients: 
2 local eggplants
1/4 c evoo (extra virgin olive oil)
1/2 c filtered water
1 T bragg liquid aminos or coconut aminos
1 T coconut nectar, raw honey or a bit of stevia 
1 t smoked paprika
1/4 t black pepper

-peel eggplant and slice into 1 inch "fries". mix all the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl & add eggplant. toss to coat, cover & marinate in fridge overnight, stirring occasionally. once finished, line dehydrator trays with parchment paper and evenly lay out eggplant strips. 

-dehydrate at 115F for 8-10 hours until crisp. store in an airtight container and bring on road trips to munch, or serve up with your favorite healthy dipping sauce! (try my easy homemade ketchup!)

*tip* save the marinade in a mason jar to use as a salad dressing later...it's delicious!