Kale might not sound like the best thing to serve your guests at your next party or holiday get together, but kale chips make the perfect crunchy, cheezy, simple appetizer.
Kale is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. It is high in iron and plant-based protein, vitamins, and digestive enzymes. It is dark green, which means it is full of chlorophyll, a highly alkaline substance that promotes blood health. Kale is known to be heart healthy, anti-cancer and anti-inflammation, and good for digestion. It is all around a win.
Unfortunately, that means most people assume it tastes like dirt. In fact, for many, kale often falls under the “twigs and sticks” diet, not the everyday diet. And while it does have a bitter taste on its own, it pairs perfectly with spices, salty and savory foods, and cheezy flavors.
When it is cooked at a low heat, or dehydrated in a food dehydrator, it gets crunchy like a chip. When spiced up and made crunchy, kale is the perfect healthy food to serve to your guests, or to make for yourself at any time.
Cheezy Kale Chips:
Makes 2 cups of kale chips.
1 large head of kale, stems removed
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 tsp cayenne or paprika powder
1 tsp ground mustard
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp tamari (gluten free soy sauce)
optional 1/2 tsp oil (I use sesame or olive oil)
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Remove the middle stem from your kale leaves. Rip or chop your kale into medium sized pieces (they will shrink when they get dehydrated). Place the kale chips in large bowl and sprinkle in the spices. Add in your liquids and massage together with your hands until coated. Spread out on a large baking sheet. try not to let any kale pieces overlap. Heat for 10 minutes and rotate the kale pieces. Bake another 15 minutes until crispy. Be sure to watch the kale chips closely, as they will burn easily.
*When adding the liquids, try and keep it minimal. The chips can get soggy easily and burn before they crisp up. Less is more with the liquids and oils.
When crispy and crunchy to your desire, remove form the oven and allow to cool. Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately.
Do you love or hate kale? Give these chips a try and let me know what you think!
Enjoy!
