Crisp Up Your Snack Game: How to Prepare Crispy Kale Chips with Sea Salt
Searching for a snack that is both healthy and delicious can sometimes feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Let’s face it, when that afternoon hunger strikes, it’s pretty tempting to reach for a bag of chips. But what if I told you there’s a snack out there that’s just as satisfying, but comes packed with nutrients and is super easy to make? Enter the crispy kale chip – your new go-to snack. Kale, a close friend of broccoli and Brussels sprouts, not only is a nutrition powerhouse but also can be transformed into irresistibly crunchy chips with just a dash of sea salt.
Now, before you turn up your nose thinking, “Kale? Really?” hear me out. When done right, kale chips can rival the crunch and savory satisfaction of their potato counterparts, without the grease or guilt. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make. Let me guide you through the steps to achieve the perfect batch of crispy kale chips.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large bunch of kale (any variety works, but curly kale makes for an extra fun texture)
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
That’s it! Just three simple ingredients. Now, onto the fun part.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Kale Chips:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature is key to drying out the kale without burning it, ensuring your chips become perfectly crispy.
2. Prepare the Kale
Rinse the kale under cold water and then thoroughly dry it. This step is crucial because excess water will steam the kale in the oven instead of crisp it. A salad spinner works great here, but if you don’t have one, pat the leaves dry with a towel.
Next, tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces, discarding the thick stems. Kale shrinks when baked, so don’t make the pieces too small.
3. Season the Kale
Place the kale pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle a little sea salt. Now, the best tools in your kitchen come into play – your hands. Gently massage the oil and salt into all the nooks and crannies of the kale. The goal is to lightly coat each piece without drenching it in oil.
4. Arrange for Success
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the kale out in a single layer. Ensuring none of the leaves are overlapping is critical to get them all evenly crispy.
5. Bake to Perfection
Put your kale in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Halfway through, take a moment to turn the leaves over and possibly rotate the tray for even baking. Keep a close eye on them towards the end as they can go from perfect to burnt quite quickly. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are slightly browned, but not burnt, and the pieces feel crispy to the touch.
6. Cool and Enjoy
Let the chips cool down for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet – they’ll get even crispier as they cool. And that’s it! You’ve made a batch of crispy kale chips ready to satisfy your snack cravings.
These kale chips are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days, though they might lose some of their crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Making crispy kale chips with sea salt is a simple, tasty way to enjoy a healthy snack. They’re perfect for those mid-afternoon munchies, as a side dish, or even to share with friends and family at gatherings (be ready to share the recipe too, as they’re bound to be a hit). Feel free to get creative by adding other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Happy snacking, and enjoy your deliciously crisp kale chips!
