Kale is one of those trendy celebrity super-foods tossed in nutribullets (TM) along with egg yolks and blueberries to produce a thick green mush with a texture and taste that sails dangerously close to the emetic. More prosaically, a pile of steamed curly kale can be served as a vegetable, where with a knob of butter it is at least edible, if somewhat uninspiring to certain members of my family.
So here is a wizz of an idea that transforms boring kale into a more-ish snack, or a classy accompaniment. It can be served as ‘Crunchy Kale Crisps’ – great for snacking (and way more healthy than the potato variety), or as a variety of the dish known as ‘crispy seaweed’ served as a side dish with a Chinese meal. Either way, I think you will find these a revelation: salty, crispy and satisfyingly crumbly and easy peasy to make. Who knew kale could be so much fun?
crispy, crunchy, salty, savoury, tasty, curly, kale crisps
Just three ingredients: A bag of curly kale, olive oil and seasoning.
Use organic kale and remove the thick ribs (wash it first if it’s gritty, and thoroughly dry it). Place the leaves in an oven proof dish and sprinkle with a good quality olive oil like the unfiltered organic ex-virgin in the photo, and seasoning (I used Herbamare – a nice mix of herbs and sea salt which I stock in my clinic). Toss with your hands to ensure the kale is evenly coated.
Preheat the oven (150 C, 300F, Gas mark 2). Place the dish in the oven for 15 minutes. If they are in a thick layer they might need tossing half way through so that they crisp evenly.
Remove from the oven, allow to cool for a few minutes and serve. They are a great snack as the olive oil provides some calories, but they are very low in carbohydrate, so won’t interfere with your low carb lifestyle. They also provide a goodly dose of micronutrients such as: beta carotene, calcium, B6, a bit of protein, Vit C, magnesium, iron, isothiocyanates and glucosinolates, manganese, various flavonoids, real folate (B9), Vit K, copper, B vitamins 1, 2 and 3, and Vit E, along with some good old fibre! It has everything going for it, so what’s stopping you? Go make some crisps!
Alternatively, just watch them looking lovely on Crispy Kale TV: