Kale Chips: Your New Favorite Healthy Snack!

May 6, 2010

It's a leafy green vegetable.

No!  It's a yummy crunchy chip.

Actually, you're both right.  We're talking about kale chips!

I know, you're skeptical.  Even though I KNOW the health benefits of eating kale, I just don't like it much.  It's bitter and pretty tough, especially when it's raw.  I never really had a kale dish I liked much. Until now!

You can drive to Whole Foods and buy a small bag of kale chips.  They're delicious, but they're $7 or $8.  No joke.

Or you can make you own.  Now, pay close attention because this is pretty darn complicated.  To make kale chips, you go to the store and buy a couple of bunches of kale (organic if you can get it).  You come home and wash it, dry it and tear it into pieces.  Then you spray it with a touch of oil, season it, and bake it til it's crunchy.  Then you eat it and feel very, very virtuous.   😀

Kale Chips Pan Before Baking

Kale Chips: before baking

Kale Chips

2 bunches kale (I like the curly kind)
Nonstick cooking spray (olive oil or canola)
Your favorite seasoning to taste

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  Wash the kale and dry thoroughly.  Pull off the tough center rib and tear each leaf into medium-size pieces.  Place onto a baking sheet and spritz with a touch of oil.  Sprinkle with whatever seasonings you like and toss the kale to evenly coat with oil and seasonings.  Be careful with the salt; it will intensify as the kale shrinks and your chips will be way too salty.

Bake until the kale is dried out and crispy, 20 to 23 minutes.  I like mine lightly browned and pretty crispy.  Enjoy as a snack, or as a garnish on soup.

Note: I seasoned with very little salt, plus a big dash of lemon pepper and a salt-free Penzeys spice blend called Mural of Flavor.

Kale Chips Pan After Baking

Kale Chips: after baking. Not pretty, but delicious!

~BigSis

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8 Comments so far

  1. Posted by L Chris Franklin

    May 6, 201012:29 pm

    I am definitely a big fan of Kale and I can’t wait to try this one!

    I always blanch my kale after I’ve cleaned it and sliced it. Then I saute it with some red onion, garlic slices, sliced bella mushrooms and olive oil. I add a dash of spicey red pepper to it. I have also added some cooked tortellini for a delicious meal sprinkled with grated parmesan. Give it a try!

  2. Posted by BigSis

    May 6, 20108:35 pm

    That’s a great idea, L Chris! I’m definitely going to try your recipe. It sounds delicious! Let me know if you try the chips!

  3. Posted by marla {Family Fresh Cooking}

    May 6, 201010:37 pm

    Kale chips are one of my all time favorite snacks! Glad to read you guys love them too 🙂 Happy almost Mother’s Day!
    .-= marla {Family Fresh Cooking}´s last blog post … Gluten Free Raw Chocolate Pecan Tarts {giveaway} =-.

  4. Posted by BigSis

    May 8, 201011:26 am

    Hey Marla, I just found out about them recently and love them. I want to try adding some other toppings to them. They sell a nacho cheese flavor at Whole Foods that is awesome, but it’s $8 for a little little bag!

  5. Posted by Glenda

    May 6, 201011:27 pm

    This looks easy, healthy and tasty! And a brilliant way for me to make my son eat his veggies, ssshhh! =)
    .-= Glenda´s last blog post … WalletWhiz for iPhone Giveaway! =-.

  6. Posted by BigSis

    May 8, 201011:25 am

    Exactly, Glenda! He never has to know that they’re SO good for him!

  7. Posted by Rebecca Ingham

    May 15, 20109:46 pm

    This looks like something I definitely need to try! Never been much of a fan but may just give L Chris’ recipe a whirl too!

  8. Posted by BigSis

    May 16, 20108:47 am

    Hey Rebecca, thanks for your stopping in and taking the time to leave a comment. Kale is so full of nutrients, it’s definitely worth trying the chips. I think L Chris’ recipe sounds delicious too!

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