I didn’t believe it. Nopers. Not a chance. Never in a million years did I believe all the hubbub about a green leafy vegetable becoming crispy and as tasty as a potato chip. I mean, come on…potato chips rock.
Whats the hubbub? You haven’t heard? OK, maybe I watch too many talk and food shows, sue me. The claim is, that by simply dressing kale with olive oil, salt, and pepper and baking/roasting them that they will emerge from your oven not limp and wimpy but crispy, crunchy, lightly salty, and delicious. You can see why I was skeptical.
I have never in my life eaten kale. I have seen it mingling with the other vegetables in the produce isle or acting as a garnish at the local eatery, but I have never ever thought of eating it. Maybe I am alone in this, but I don’t think I am. It is not a very inviting vegetable and it blends in with the other greens therefore it is easily ignored and overlooked. Not today, no sirree. It took me a while to find, nestled ever so snugly between the collard and mustard greens.
I can’t say I was worried about wasting money and or food if these turned out to be a flop….three bunches cost me whopping $0.93. Almost broke the bank. I wish red peppers or tomatoes were that cheap – ha! However, that 0.93 cents was well spent. Kale chips are amazingly good. They leave the oven crispy, crunchy, and the texture is similar to a potato chip (not as substantial though). The bitterness of the raw vegetable is gone and left is a salty, peppery, and almost sweet flavor. I enjoyed them and the fact that they are a quilt free snack! Hell, its down right healthy! Score one for the waistline!
Ingredients
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3 Kale bunches ( there are about 5 varieties, any of which could be used)
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2-3 Tablespoonfuls Olive oil
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salt and pepper to taste – I used 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 325°F
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Line baking tray with parchment paper
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Rinse and dry kale bunches
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Cut kale into small pieces – chip size if you will, removing the center stem (tough)
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Toss olive oil, salt, and pepper with kale in a large bowl. Use your hands to ensure good coverage on all ‘chips’
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Pour onto prepared baking sheet
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Bake/roast for about 35 minutes.
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Remove from oven and enjoy!
* Adding some grated parmesan when it comes out of the oven would be a nice cheesy addition to this treat. I would reduce the salt if this is done since parm. is considered salty!
*Not many pictures of final product, they do turn a very dark green almost blackened…not picture worthy really. When I can get a good one, I’ll update !
Oh and my daffodils are blooming 🙂
Fork Vs Spoon 