kale chips // three ways

After the fantastic response to the first post here about kale chips, food contributor Libby couldn’t resist bringing you phase two: three ways to dress up guaranteed to make you want to scarf them up! Check it out… 

Since it’s still January, we’ll give you one more healthy eating recipe before we tempt you with anything with sugar, flour or lots of carbs. Alyson published a delicious intro to baked kale chips here, and during a quiet January day, I wondered if there was a way to spice up the normal kale chips. And by spice, I do mean spice:  I’m a girl that has an affinity for a kick.

I raided my pantry (I was feeling too lazy to even run to the grocery store) and put together three recipes featuring three varying flavor profiles. While all might not be for you,  I hope you’ll try to find your favorite (and keep eating that kale)! I’m one of those nerdy food geeks that believe in the healing power of food – and kale is one of those super healthy foods that people who know far more than me keep saying we must keep eating!

Here are the recipes!

PREP // It all starts out the same. Wash kale thoroughly to remove any grit, then get the leaves as dry as possible. Tear from the ribs – I like as big a chip as possible so I try and get them into large-sized chips with varying degrees of success. You want the leaves to be really dry. Place on a baking sheet. Then drizzle all over with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. After seasoning, bake the chips for 11-12 minutes at 350 degrees.

Seasonings x 3 

1. Kale + Garlic + Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle 1 Tablespoon minced garlic (the sort sold in a jar works fine for me!) liberally over the kale chips, Follow with 1-2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. These might need another minute in the oven.

2.  Kale + Piment D’esplette: Okay, you may or may not have this bright red, French spice in your pantry but if you do, try sprinkling it all over the kale. It’s considered an alternative to cayenne pepper and offers a subtle heat.

3. Kale + Cumin + Garlic Salt + Cayenne: This was my favorite combination by far. In a small bowl, mix together ¼ teaspoon each of cumin, garlic salt and cayenne pepper and sprinkle liberally over the kale. This is delicious!

Other combo ideas: Instead of olive oil, add sesame oil or other flavored oils to create a different flavor. Kale also responds well to salts, and there are limitless possibilities between flavored salts, oils and spices!

Do you have a favorite way to enjoy them? Let us know! 

photos + recipe: libbyvision.com