Spicy kale chips
There are dozens of recipes for kale chips on the internet – so why hadn’t I tried them yet? As much as I love kale, I guess I was a little skeptical. Would they really taste like chips, or would they just taste like dried up kale?
Well, I finally got around to making them, and I was delighted to find that my doubts were way off-base. Kale chips are as crunchy and delicious as people say –in fact, it’s hard to stop eating them. No wonder some bloggers have dubbed them “kale crack.” I made mine with Tabasco sauce and chili powder – spicy kale crack! Whatever you call it, this is one addiction that you won’t have to go into rehab for.
If you can’t handle the heat, you can leave out the Tabasco and other spices. The chips are great with just olive oil and salt, too. I have a feeling that kale chips would be an ingenious way to get kids (and adult kale haters, like my friend Mark) to eat their greens. Watch out Mark, I’m coming over to try out my theory on you!
Spicy Kale Chips
1 large bunch kale (I used lacinato, aka dinosaur kale), stems and center ribs removed, leaves torn into large pieces
2 1/2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (I used New Mexico chili powder)
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Heat the oven to 300 degrees.
Mix kale and other ingredients in a large bowl (note: kale must be bone-dry). Massage lightly with your hands to make sure the leaves are coated.
Place in a single layer on two large baking sheets, and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until crisp.
I am indeed a committed kale hater. I am extremely doubtful that kale chips are edible, but I am ready for you to attempt some magic.
Neither of us has ever eaten kale…can we still be friends???? I’ll buy some kale in Utah and try your recipe. You haven’t let us down yet.
I’m a kale lover!
I’ve never bought kale (though I might’ve had it in restaurants) and these chips look amazing, I want some!
LOVE Kale Chips! Great idea to make ’em spicy!
I’ve been meaning to try kale chips. I keep reading about them, and they’re seasonal in winter, aren’t they, so the more recipes for them, the better!
I LOVE kale chips! Welcome to the dark (green) side 😉
[…] I’ve started is that I got my older son and his best friend to eat kale chips. (I used a What Would Cathy Eat recipe and left out the spice). Tonight, I’ve brought back carrot soup which used to be a […]
W-O-W! These are dynamite!!! Kale crack indeed. I baked them for double the time (40 minutes) as 20 didn’t make them very crispy. Yum yum yum!!! I like the fact that they are really spicy and delicious, yet really healthy for you (the entire recipe is only 6 points on Weight Watchers–which I just started…!!!). I too found your site through Finding Vegan, and I’m so glad I did. My doctor just told me she wants me to get a Doppler of my carotid artery (yikes!) and I’m only 48. Sigh….I’m not yet ready to eat steamed veggies all my life, so I will definitely keep looking for new posts from you. Thanks for a great site : )
Diane, thanks for the rave review. Good luck with everything.
[…] also made some Spicy Kale Chips for the first time. Kale chips are everywhere and for good reason. These are some tasty […]
Kale is wonderful! My dogs love it too!!
Once the leaves have been torn into small pieces, how many cups would you estimate “1 large bunch” would fill?
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Kitchen N00b
Hi Asha. I have no idea, but I could guess and say 8 cups! It doesn’t much matter, the proportions are not at all exact. Just coat with a little olive oil and the spices, and you’re good to go.
a good friend gave me an armloads of from her garden.
i’ve only made a la southern and no matter how long i cook it, it ends up tasty chewy. so i gave the kale chps and the cathy’s kale salad a try. they were both great! and didn’t take that long. the key is massaging the oil into the leaves (good advice cathy!). kale chps are crack and the salad is more tender than any cooked kale i had. i used almonds and fresh peaches in mine – was improvising with what i had on hand. i’m now a believer in kale salad. i was pretty skeptical before.
I love kale chips….my friend Val makes them the best with cashew butter, i used store bought almond butter on a bunch that was massaged in italian dressing, i loved them so much i ate the last bunch raw…..this recipe sounds great thanks….