Kale Chips Two Ways: Healthy Snacking Made Delicious

Kale with a Crunch

Kale chips are delicious. Trust me on this one. If you’ve been scared to eat a chip made out of a vegetable, or scared of vegetables in general, stop whatever you’re doing and make these.

They’re crispy, crunchy, light, and oh so tasty. You can find kale chips pretty easily at the store these days, but they are can be quite pricey and can be loaded with extra stuff.

Fortunately, it’s super easy to make your own using fresh kale. Tear off the leaves, toss them in a bowl with a little oil and seasoning, and bake for 5-8 minutes. Done.

Kale: Packing a Nutritional Punch

And here’s why you should think about making them: kale is one of the healthiest foods out there. For starters, it is low calorie and high in fiber, so incorporating kale into your diet is a simple way to keep your digestive system happy while keeping your weight balanced.

Kale is also packed with nutrients: it is high in vitamins A and C, folate, calcium, and magnesium to name a few. It is also high in iron, which is crucial for cell metabolism and health, and vitamin K, which has been linked to cancer protection. Vitamin K is also essential for blood clotting and bone health. The antioxidants in kale, including carotenoids and flavanoids, also help protect against cancer.

The Health Benefits

Here’s an unexpected benefit: kale is also full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are powerful anti-inflammatories, particularly useful for fighting autoimmune, disorders, asthma, and arthritis . Kale is also great for cardiovascular support.

Lastly, kale is a powerful detox-support. The fiber and sulfer support the liver, which is responsible for regular detoxification processes in the body. Yup: chips that are actually cleanse-friendly. This calls for a dance party.

It’s no wonder kale has been a darling of the health world. So swap out those potato chips for these tasty kale chips and nourish your body while treating your taste buds!

For more ways to incorporate kale into your diet, check out my warm kale salad with rosemary vinaigrette and vegan pesto. 

Print

Kale Chips

A simple, healthy snack ready in just 10 minutes! 

Course Appetizer, Snack

Prep Time 4 minutes

Cook Time 6 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 bunch kale I use curly kale, which is the most common type you'll find at the grocery store
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp sea salt (optional)
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper (optional)

Alternative spices/ flavoring

• 1-2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp other spices of choice

Instructions

1. Preheat the over to 400F. Thoroughly wash and dry the kale then tear the leaves into small, bite/ chip-size pieces. Bare in mind they will shrink a bit in the oven.

2. Place kale leaves in a bowl and toss with the olive oil. Ideally, rub the olive oil over the leaves to coat them thoroughly.

3. Add spices and thoroughly mix the ingredients so the leaves are coated. Place on a baking sheet (optional to line it with foil for easier clean up). 

4. Bake for 5-8 minutes, until crispy but not brown. Serve and enjoy!