Crispy kale chips are satisfyingly crunchy, slightly salty, and oh so addictive. No, that's not a typo- I am talking about kale, that dark green, leafy and sometimes a tad bit bitter vegetable that makes some people run away screaming from their plates.
Kale is in the same family as brussel sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, cauliflower and broccoli and also contains powerful antioxidant properties- a super food, if you will. It's a vegetable that's very high in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and calcium. Just eating kale makes me feel virtuous and healthy. As with most moms out there, I'm always trying to find interesting and delicious ways to prepare foods that are not only healthy, but also in a way that is enjoyed by my family. This recipe fits both requirements nicely. Not only are my girls eating kale, but they're loving it, requesting this recipe and eating two heads of kale in a sitting! My youngest daughter helped to make our kale chips almost completely by herself. Include your 'little helpers' in choosing their kale from the market, chopping (with assistance if necessary), and making their chips and I'm pretty sure they'll eat it up too!
Crispy Kale Chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Wash and dry kale leaves
chop kale into bite size pieces
For each head of kale, drizzle with 1-2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper to taste. Gently mix with your hands, making sure pieces are seasoned and oiled
spread onto a baking sheet in a flat, even layer
pop into hot oven and 'roast' for about 20-25 minutes, until crisp and dark green
enjoy! :)
*For flavor additions, you could add a sprinkle of garlic or onion powder, chili or ground cumin. Experiment and have fun with your kale!
