Crispy Kale

I find this recipe very useful. I know kale is REALLY good for me, and I find it frequently in my farm share at this time of year. To tell you the truth, however, I have a little trouble forcing myself to eat much of it. It’s just a bit too bitter, a bit too … kale-y.

Roasting it with olive oil and salt (I love salt) tones down the flavor a bit and makes it fun to eat.

The recipe (or a variant of it) was given to me several years ago by Margaret Fitzpatrick. Margaret lives in my hometown of Hawley, Massachusetts, and has owned a number of restaurants in our area over the years.

Margaret calls the dish “Kale Chips,” and I can see why; the pieces of kale are small and have a definite potato-chip-like crunch. I like the alliteration of “Crispy Kale,” however.

The best way to eat this dish, by the way, is with your fingers……

The Kale

Ingredients:

1 medium bunch kale
1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
salt to taste (maybe start with 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon and sprinkle on a bit more at the end if it’s needed; I tend to over salt things so I’m wary here)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Wash and dry the kale thoroughly; then take out the ribs, and tear the leaves into pieces. (I aim for about 3 pieces per half leaf.)

In a bowl combine the oil and the salt. Toss the kale pieces in this mixture.

Place the lightly oiled kale pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet (or two if necessary).

Bake until the kale gets dark and crispy (about 20 minutes), turning the kale pieces after 10 minutes.

Serves 4.

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4 Responses to “Crispy Kale”

  1. Jean says:

    Thank you so much for posting this. My niece (college grad this year) has a food blog and seems to love Kale (we share the same DNA?). She calls these Kale chips and combines them often with her meals but I’ve been hesitant to try them. Since you and I have the same feeling about kale, your first person review is very helpful to me. I will try this soon. Would you know if they lose their crispness if not eaten soon after preparation, and do they “keep” at all? Thanks Tinky!

  2. Grad says:

    Kale!! Kale is my favorite vegetable. I love it’s bitter and toothsome bite. Unlike dandelion greens (another bitter green I love), I have only had it cooked. I can eat a bunch by myself (and often have)! In fact, I just picked up a bunch at the farmers market last Saturday and will look for it again when I venture out again tomorrow! I have not tried kale chips, however, although I have heard about them. I meant to try them with last Saturday’s kale catch, but braised them instead. So, if kale is at the farmers market tomorrow I’ll give this recipe a try.

  3. tinkyweisblat says:

    Let me know what you think, Grad! We still have quite a bit of it here, although things are warming up so I’m not sure how long it will be around….

  4. tinkyweisblat says:

    I have kept them for several hours without incident. I don’t know what would happen if you kept them overnight. Does this help at all?