A CRISPY, SALTY, SNACK WITHOUT THE GUILT: KALE CHIPS

 

Fresh Black Kale Leaves

You can make virtuous, crispy chips that taste fabulous from a healthful vegetable! (I may try sneaking some into a movie.)

1 1/4 pounds black kale
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese or to taste
Smoked finishing salt, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Fold the kale leaves inward so the center rib is on the outside and use a sharp knife to cut it off. Be sure to get it all; it is tough. Tear the leaves into 2- to 3-inch pieces. Rinse leaves and drain. Place in a salad spinner if you have one and spin until completely dry. You will need to drain the spinner and do it more than once. Alternately, place the leaves in a large kitchen towel, roll up the towel and sling it around while holding the ends tightly. (Or do it the boring way and just blot with paper towels until dry.)

Place the olive oil in a large bowl and mash the garlic into the oil. Add the kale and toss until well coated on both sides. Spread out in one layer on two large baking sheets. Sprinkle with coarse salt and fresh pepper. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until dry and crisp. Don’t overcook or it will become bitter.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with additional coarse salt or flavored finishing salt and grind more pepper over the pan. Grate Parmesan over the top and let cool. For a final touch, I sprinkled my chips with mango-smoked sea salt that my daughter brought me from Hawaii, but there are lots of specialty salts that you might try. Store in an air-tight container.

Mine stayed crisp down to the last chip, but they didn’t last long. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes if necessary.

One ounce of fresh kale makes one serving.
Calories: 35; Fat: 3.1g; Protein: 0.9g; Fiber: 0.4 g; Net Carbs: 0.9g

Note: Black kale is also called lacinato or dinosaur kale. It is milder and sweeter than regular kale. (Call them dinosaur chips if you want to coax the kids away from the Doritos!)

Nourished on Amazon > http://tinyurl.com/mq42koa

(c) 2012, Judy Barnes Baker, www.carbwars.blogspot.com

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Judy Barnes Baker

The working title for my first book was, “You’ll Never Know What You Are Missing.” It summed up my goal: to make eating for health synonymous with eating for pleasure. Once you discover the secret, you will find that the very best food for weight management, longevity, the treatment and prevention of disease, and over-all health and happiness is also the most sumptuous, satisfying, and indulgent way of eating the world has to offer. You are invited to the feast. Enjoy!
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feinman
11 years ago

Wow. Can't remember recipe that made me sit up and take notice. I remember deep-frying kale but haven't done in a long time. This must be it.

Judy Barnes Baker
11 years ago

Thanks for the tip, Janknitz! A dehydrater is on my wish list for a B-Day present.

Janknitz
Janknitz
11 years ago

We make big batches of kale chips–our kids love them. IF any are leftover I put them in the dehydrator until bone dry and then seal them in jars using a hand held food vacuum. This keeps them fresh and edible for snacks.