VEGAN
OIL-FREE
30 MINUTES OR LESS
While the weather thinks about actually being summer, I'll still be using the oven regularly. Even when it gets warmer, though, I'll likely continue making kale chips. That's because they only require setting the oven to 300 degrees, so it's not heating up the whole kitchen.
I've purchased kale chips at the store and usually find them to be a bit bland. They look like they'd be full of delicious flavors with all that seasoning visibly on them, but my taste buds aren't detecting them. So I prefer making my own. In fact, while taste-testing this recipe I found I needed to cut back on the flavorful spices!
Kale chips with a kick.
I think my husband's afraid of kale chips. I can kind of understand that. How could dried out kale be a delicious snack? Well, some of that is about perspective. If given a choice between potato chips and kale chips, which sounds tastier? And yet, I find what I crave is something crunchy and something a bit spicy with lots of flavor. And if kale chips can achieve those things and be a lot more nutritious, I actually will reach for them instead.
Kale is a good source of iron, calcium, vitamins, antioxidants, phytonutrients, fiber, and protein. I recently learned that raw kale and other cruciferous vegetables can interfere with thyroid function - only for those with already impaired thyroid function. Apparently, baking the kale corrects that problem and retains nutrients, so kale chips are ideal. Cruciferous vegetables like kale also may help prevent and increase survival rates of cancer, prevent DNA damage, improve immune function, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. has also thought to I've included links to find out more about this at the bottom of the post.
For those watching their salt intake, it may be helpful to note that this recipe calls for a mere ¼ teaspoon tamari per serving. For those watching their oil intake, you'll be pleased to know there is none in this recipe! The tamari crisps up the kale just fine.
Where's the guilt? I can't find any.
We did note that, while these kale chips come out of the oven crispy, they don't tend to be quite as crunchy as the packaged kale chips we've tried. More flavor, less blah. More crispy, less crunchy. A little tender chewiness, especially after sitting awhile.
But these aren't likely to sit for long.
SPICED KALE CHIPS
SERVINGS: 2
Prep time: 5 minutes PRINT
Cook time: 25 minutes
30 MINUTES OR LESS
OIL-FREE
VEGAN
INTERNET ARTICLES ON KALE CHIP NUTRITION
http://www.livestrong.com/article/540695-does-baked-kale-have-nutrients-left/
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutritional-value-baked-kale-chips-2057.html
thetofudiaries@gmail.com says
I love kale chips and these ones look perfect! I know exactly what you mean though, my boyfriend wouldn't exactly be bursting with excitement if I told him I was making kale chips - until they were ready of course 😉
sageandkaidesign@gmail.com says
Ha - I know, right? I'm glad your boyfriend eats them once they're made. My husband did give the thumbs up when these were done and is inching his way toward eating them more...I think...slowly...meanwhile, my daughter and I are all over them!
thetofudiaries@gmail.com says
I love kale chips and these ones look perfect! I know exactly what you mean though, my boyfriend wouldn't exactly be bursting with excitement if I told him I was making kale chips - until they were ready of course 😉
sageandkaidesign@gmail.com says
Ha - I know, right? I'm glad your boyfriend eats them once they're made. My husband did give the thumbs up when these were done and is inching his way toward eating them more...I think...slowly...meanwhile, my daughter and I are all over them!
Natalie Tamara @TheTofuDiaries says
I love kale chips and these ones look perfect! I know exactly what you mean though, my boyfriend wouldn't exactly be bursting with excitement if I told him I was making kale chips - until they were ready of course 😉
Kari says
Ha - I know, right? I'm glad your boyfriend eats them once they're made. My husband did give the thumbs up when these were done and is inching his way toward eating them more...I think...slowly...meanwhile, my daughter and I are all over them!
Wallflower Kitchen says
Nooch + kale chips = heaven! Especially when you add a bit of spice. It's been a while now since I've had kale chips and you've totally inspired me to make some soon 🙂
Kari says
I agree, Wallflower Kitchen! I'm honored to have inspired you 🙂
becca@amuse-your-bouche.com says
I absolutely love roasting kale to serve with my dinner, but I've never flavoured it to have as a snack. Must try these!
sageandkaidesign@gmail.com says
I like the idea of having roasted kale with dinner - will have to try that!
becca@amuse-your-bouche.com says
I absolutely love roasting kale to serve with my dinner, but I've never flavoured it to have as a snack. Must try these!
sageandkaidesign@gmail.com says
I like the idea of having roasted kale with dinner - will have to try that!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
I absolutely love roasting kale to serve with my dinner, but I've never flavoured it to have as a snack. Must try these!
Kari says
I like the idea of having roasted kale with dinner - will have to try that!
ketogasm@gmail.com says
Love your pictures and the text overlay! Looks great!
sageandkaidesign@gmail.com says
Thank you so much for letting me know that, Tasha! I just started messing around with the text overlays - I really appreciate the feedback!
ketogasm@gmail.com says
Love your pictures and the text overlay! Looks great!
sageandkaidesign@gmail.com says
Thank you so much for letting me know that, Tasha! I just started messing around with the text overlays - I really appreciate the feedback!
Tasha says
Love your pictures and the text overlay! Looks great!
Kari says
Thank you so much for letting me know that, Tasha! I just started messing around with the text overlays - I really appreciate the feedback!