A starchy food having an initial moisture content in the range from 20% wb to 35% wb. is passed through states in which the food surface has various pairs temperature and surface moisture values. Then, the starchy food is brought to and maintained at a temperature in such a manner that a degree of gelatinization of at least 75% is achieved. Then, the surface is cooled to a temperature below the temperature Tg mid of the glass transition curve, based on the moisture of the starchy food. Then, the cooled, starchy food is dried at a temperature above the temperature Tg onset of the glass transition curve, based on the moisture of the starchy food.
