Assuming you have a love for all things leafy and green, I’m going to assume you’re into kale chips. Kale chips are the perfect healthy snack for when you’re looking for something crunchy and satisfying. This recipe is easy to follow and only requires a few ingredients. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack, kale chips are the way to go!
Table of Contents
Crispy Kale Chips Ingredients
-
1 bundle curly green kale
-
1-2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
-
1/5 tsp sea salt
-
1 tsp cumin powder
-
1 tsp crushed chili flakes
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
-
Charred Lemon (optional)
Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (107 C) degrees
Are you ready to make something delicious? Ensure your oven is preheated to 225 degrees F (107 C) before getting started. This extra step helps ensure that your food is thoroughly cooked and evenly heated throughout. Don’t forget — timing is vital! Put on an apron, grab a wooden spoon, and start combining ingredients together. You’re ready to make something that will surely tantalize the taste buds!
Cut kale into thin strips and spread on a baking sheet
Preparing kale in the oven couldn’t be simpler – grab a baking sheet, grab some kale, and get to work! Start by preheating your oven to 225 degrees F (107 C), take a few kale leaves, and cut them into thin strips. You’ll want to add them to a large mixing bowl before seasoning.
Drizzle olive oil over kale chips and Season
Olive oil and salt are a classic flavor combination that can seem mundane, but dress them up with some kale chips, and your taste buds are in for a treat. Drizzle olive oil over the kale chips before baking them in the oven, and they will come out golden brown and extra crunchy!
Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, red chili flakes, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast to bring out all the delicious flavors. Toss together until the kale leaves are evenly coated. This simple but flavorful snack will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy everyone’s hunger. With this recipe, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health – enjoy the best of both worlds!
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes until chips are crispy
Once seasoned, spread them over the baking sheet evenly – try leaving a little room between each strip so they can crisp up properly. Then you’re good to go! Pop it into your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, and enjoy your crispy baked kale chips! Toss or stir and bake for an additional 10 minutes to ensure they bake evenly. The wait is well worth it when you take them out of the oven and find yourself surrounded by the most delightful aroma of baked crunchiness. Bite into one or two, and savor each perfect moment as you enjoy a perfectly crisped experience.
Are kale chips healthy?
Kale chips are touted as a healthy alternative to potato chips since kale is undoubtedly a nutritious vegetable; however, the answer to the question of whether or not they’re healthy is nuanced. The health benefits of eating kale chips depend on how they are prepared and what type of oil is used in the cooking process. Since many commercially-made kale chips contain high amounts of salt and fat, it’s important to check labels before purchasing. On the other hand, homemade kale chips can take advantage of low-calorie Cooking methods such as baking with minimal oil or even air-frying for added crispiness. Overall, there is potential for kale chips to be relatively healthy depending on how they’re made, so making them fresh at home is generally your best bet.
Are kale chips good for weight loss?
Kale chips can be a flavorful, nutritious snack, but whether they are good for weight loss depends on how you make them. Many store-bought kale chips are fried in oil and contain a lot of salt and sugar, similar to potato chips. If this is the case, then they should be eaten in moderation. However, if you choose to make your kale chips at home using olive oil, salt, and pepper, or other spices, they can fit into a healthful diet and may even help with weight loss. The baking process removes much moisture from the kale leaves, so homemade chips can have fewer calories than their store-bought counterparts. Additionally, kale itself is rich in vitamins A, K, and C, as well as fiber which can help with digestion and reduce overall caloric intake when included in meals.
How do you keep kale chips so crunchy?
To ensure maximum crunch in your kale chips, you’ll want to start with fresh, dry kale. Next, lightly coat the leaves in olive oil and your chosen seasonings. Then, evenly space the leaves on a baking sheet and bake at 225 degrees F (107 C) for around ten minutes or until crisp. To maintain maximum crunchiness after cooking, let the chips cool before transferring to an airtight container – this will help preserve their texture!
Why did my kale chips get soggy?
Kale chips can be surprisingly delicate, given their hearty greens, so the reasons for their soggy nature may not be immediately clear. However, even their sturdy structure and large leaves cannot fight off basic physical principles. When subjected to too much moisture or humidity, which can come from almost any environment, this venerable snack food will inevitably start to soften and get soggy. While cooking times matter too in order to prevent overprocessing kale chips beyond their desired level of crispness, excess moisture will be the primary culprit of sogginess – no amount of time in the oven can save them from it. On a positive note, gathering around with friends for a crunchy bowl of roasted kale is still never out of reach by paying special attention to both moistness and cooking duration.
Do kale chips make you bloated?
Kale chips have a reputation of being a healthier alternative to potato chips, but do they actually make you bloated? The answer depends on the individual and how they react to this snack food. For some people, consuming kale chips can create indigestion and bloat. Many fiber-rich foods like kale can be difficult for the digestive system to process and break down. Since dressings can also cause indigestion, if you are sensitive, it is best to avoid processed and pre-flavored kale chips in lieu of lightly salted ones. Additionally, moderation is key when eating any food item. If you consume an excessive amount of anything, it could lead to abdominal discomfort, which may include bloating. In conclusion, for those who are sensitive, it is best to be aware of your dietary choices with regard to kale chips.
Crispy Kale Chips Recipe
Ingredients
-
1 large bundle curly green
-
1-2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
-
1/5 tsp sea salt
-
1 tsp cumin powder
-
1 tsp crushed chili flakes
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
-
Charred Lemon (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (107 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut kale into thin strips and add them to a large mixing bowl before seasoning.
Drizzle olive oil over the kale and sprinkle in salt, garlic powder, red chili flakes, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast. Toss together until the kale leaves are evenly coated.
Once seasoned, spread them over the baking sheet evenly – try leaving a little room between each strip so they can crisp up properly. Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes. Toss or stir and bake for an additional 10 minutes to ensure they bake evenly.
When ready, let the kale chips cool before enjoying them. For a citrus hint of flavor, spritz with charred lemon before enjoying.
Store leftover non-lemon kale chips in an airtight container.
Charred Lemon: Cut a lemon in half as you heat a skillet medium-high until it’s very hot. Brush a little cooking oil on the cut sides of the lemon and then lay the halves down on the skillet. Cook until well charred, about 5 minutes.
Final Thought
These kale chips are the perfect healthy snack! They are easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. This recipe is also very versatile – feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your unique flavor combination. Have fun and enjoy.
Photo credit: Aleksandra Pavliuscenko