Seasoned Kale Chips

by Kiran on February 17, 2012 · 93 comments

in Baking, Snack, Vegetarian

Happy Friday!! Did you know it’s Random Act of Kindness Day today in the US? I am off to share this bowl of deliciousness with my neighbors.

Don’t worry, I have more than enough to share it with everyone — I just need to give up mine and the Hubby’s portion *insert sad face*

I’ve been reading and seeing a lot about kale chips making rounds in the blogosphere, and I was too intrigued about it. I mean, how crisp can a leafy vegetable be?

It’s easier to fathom apples, root vegetables to be crisp. But leafy kale? I had a huge share of doubt.

And a huge share of shocker too! These were fabulously crisp!!! With so many exclamation point, it’s serious people.

The key to achieve crispness is simple:

right amount of oil, remove as much moisture as you can from the leaves and loads of space on baking sheets.

Do not  overcrowd the sheets with boat-load of kale leaves. You want to give it room to crisp not soggy. Soggy kale is a huge NO-NO!

The other important aspect to kale chips is that it has to be eaten right away. Do not store it, unless you are dehydrating it using a dehydrator. There’s enough moisture left in the kale to soggify.

Did I just invent another word? Sogify?!

Yeah, I hate when my food goes soggy on me. I am a soggy hater. Not ashamed at the fact.

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4-5 handfuls of fresh kale leaves, stems removed
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp sweetened cocoa powder

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 300F.
  2. Wash & thorougly dry kale leaves. Add it in a bowl.
  3. Add olive oil, salt & black pepper. Massage kale until evenly coated.
  4. Spread individual kale leaves on baking sheets. Do not overcrowd.
  5. Bake kale for 20 minutes.
  6. Combine chili powder and sweetened cocoa powder in a mesh strainer.
  7. Remove baking sheets to cool on counter. Sprinkle chili powder and cocoa powder evenly over hot crisp kale chips.
  8. Serve immediately and do not store.

 

I am off to the bank. Hate it but someone has to do it. Send some chocolates my way, please?

Have a very happy weekend! What were your recent random act of kindness?

 

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Comments on this entry are closed.

1 Maria February 17, 2012 at 1:31 PM

One of my favorite snacks!
Maria recently posted..Pineapple Mango Green Smoothie

2 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 4:49 PM

Maria — Yay! Awesomesauce 🙂

3 Dani February 17, 2012 at 1:32 PM

The other key to crispy chips is making sure the kale is dry, dry dry!!! I learned that the hard way:) Love the photos… gorgeous!

4 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 6:15 PM

Dani — thanks a lot dear, and ditto about the drying tip!

5 Rosa February 17, 2012 at 1:43 PM

Lovely! a great idea.

Cheers,

Rosa

6 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 6:19 PM

Rosa — thank you!!!

7 Divya Yadava February 17, 2012 at 4:10 PM

Ooooh..this looks like a wonderful idea. I’ve seen kale chips before, but never with cocoa powder. Love your unique ideas, Kiran!
Divya Yadava recently posted..Tandoori salmon salad with spinach, cucumbers and pickled onions

8 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 6:29 PM

Divya — thanks a lot sweetie! I’d love to believe that cocoa takes everything up to a notch 😀

9 Feast on the Cheap February 17, 2012 at 5:11 PM

Just made kale chips a week ago – they’re quickly becoming my favorite guilt-free snack
Feast on the Cheap recently posted..Meyer Lemon Pasta with Fresh Herbs, Shallots and Toasted Walnuts

10 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 7:47 PM

Feast On The Cheap — ditto!

11 the wicked noodle February 17, 2012 at 8:09 PM

I’ve had kale chips before but never with cocoa and chile powder – YUM!!

I can’t recall specifically my last random act of kindness. I used to get a kick out of paying for the person behind me on the toll roads in So Cal though…it was such a great feeling. I need to start doing that again!
the wicked noodle recently posted..Have yourself a low-key, no-stress wine party!

12 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 7:55 PM

Kristy — love your random act of kindness. Huge thumbs up from me and the Husband 😀

13 Khushboo Thadani February 18, 2012 at 12:47 AM

When I first heard about kale chips, I was doubtful but one bowl later and I was sold…they crisp up so nicely! My random act of kindness yesterday was foregoing the treadmill- someone else and I approached the only free treadmill at the same time and I let her go ahead and use it- she seemed pleased 😀
Khushboo Thadani recently posted..Eating healthy across borders

14 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 7:59 PM

Khushboo — LOVE your random act of kindness, my friend! I would’ve been pleased myself, if in her shoes 🙂

15 Angie@Angie's Recipes February 18, 2012 at 1:21 AM

Can never turn down the fried chips!
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Vegan Lemon Curd Thumbprints

16 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 7:59 PM

Angie — Ditto, but this was roasted not fried 😉

17 Helene Dsouza I Masala Herb February 18, 2012 at 2:13 AM

I must have missed kale chips on others blogs, but I am glad I found this recipe here on your blog Kiran! I wish though kale was in season here so I can try it out right away. looks so yumm and for once a bit of a healthier tv food wouldnt harm our health at home either. thanks for sharing!

18 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 8:00 PM

Helene — you are welcome sweetie 🙂

19 beti February 18, 2012 at 2:23 AM

it is a wonderful and healthy idea! instead of eating regular chips I will make my own kale chips, thanks for sharing!
beti recently posted..Lady Kisses

20 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 9:03 PM

Beti — you are welcome 🙂

21 chinmayie @ love food eat February 18, 2012 at 2:33 AM

I am curious to try if other greens can also be used instead of Kale! I should just try it sometime 🙂
chinmayie @ love food eat recently posted..Watermelon Gazpacho

22 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 9:10 PM

Chinmayie — kale is slightly chewier and tough. It’s not a fragile green, so it’s a great vegetable to roast without going soggy.

The next alternatives, which somewhat mimics kale textures would be collard greens and swiss chard.

23 Nava Krishnan February 18, 2012 at 4:52 AM

Another try for me because its a discovery using kale to make into chips. Thought I give a good with spinach and see how it turns out to be. That pics are so good.

24 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 9:12 PM

Nava — spinach is very tender and fragile in texture. It might go soggy on you instead of crispy. Try using collard greens or swiss chard if you can’t find kale.

25 Carla Meiers March 16, 2012 at 11:47 AM

I tried spinach and it turned out great!!

26 Simply Life February 18, 2012 at 6:49 AM

I’ve only tried these once and they all came out burnt- maybe I needed more oil? yours look perfect!
Simply Life recently posted..Orecchiette with Arugula, Chickpeas and Tomatoes: A Taste of Spring

27 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 11:13 PM

Gina — maybe you needed more oil, but very sure about the oven temps. It’s different for every model. Try and let me know how did it work for you 🙂

28 Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella February 18, 2012 at 7:46 AM

I’ve had these and they are scrumdiddlyumptious! I really should make them for myself 😀
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Win 1 of 5 Copies Of The Tuscan Sun Cookbook!

29 Kiran February 21, 2012 at 11:14 PM

Lorraine — Love this word, “scrumdiddlyyumptious”! 😀

30 Maureen February 18, 2012 at 7:50 AM

I gave food to neighbors on both sides today, just doing my part.

Love the kale chips – look yum.
Maureen recently posted..Food Writer Fridays – Not Quite Nigella

31 Kiran February 22, 2012 at 1:13 AM

Maureen — awww, your neighbors are lucky!!

32 Ina gawne February 18, 2012 at 8:44 AM

I have heard a lot about Kale chips too…I must try! “Sogify” sounds like a great word!
Ina gawne recently posted..SOUTH WESTERN CHICKEN STEW

33 Kiran February 22, 2012 at 2:13 AM

Ina — Ditto about the word 😉

34 Reem | Simply Reem February 18, 2012 at 3:28 PM

Perfect Recipe Kiran,
I make mine in dehydrator, infact you know now whole food has raw kale chips in 4 flavors…
But this looks so yumm, I am making mine this way next week…
Beautiful

35 Kiran February 22, 2012 at 2:14 AM

Reem — enjoy and let me know how it tastes 🙂

36 Parsley Sage February 18, 2012 at 3:47 PM

Good on you! I’ve been looking at these recipes for kale chips thinking…’seriously? there’s no way.’ I wanna try them now 🙂
Parsley Sage recently posted..Apple Banana Eggs

37 Kiran February 22, 2012 at 2:16 AM

Parsley Sage — I had my doubts too, until I tried 🙂

38 Margarita February 18, 2012 at 5:07 PM

Can I be your neighbor? I love kale chips! I made it twice before and they didn’t turn out so crispy because I knew I wasn’t making them right, but it was still good. I’m gonna have to try this because it looks like perfection!
Margarita recently posted..Falling in Love at Orzo

39 Kiran February 22, 2012 at 2:30 AM

Margarita — Obviously, just let me know when you are planning to move into the neighborhood 😉

40 Magic of Spice February 18, 2012 at 7:36 PM

Sogify…you ate too funny, love it! These look fantastic and they are one of my favorite snacks! I also like that you added the cocoa powder along with the peppery spices, lovely 🙂
Hope you are having a great weekend sweetie, hugs
Magic of Spice recently posted..A Chat with Pretty Paris and a Custom Vintage Flatware Giveaway

41 Kiran February 22, 2012 at 2:32 AM

Magic of Spice — thanks a lot sweetie 🙂 xoxo

42 Gretchen O'Donnell February 18, 2012 at 9:07 PM

I didn’t even know it was random acts of kindness day. Though, in all actuality, I suppose that every day should be that!!!
Gretchen O’Donnell recently posted..Boggled by Berlin

43 Kiran February 22, 2012 at 2:48 AM

Gretchen — ditto!

44 Ann February 18, 2012 at 11:05 PM

These look amazing! I think sogify is a terrific word – it makes perfect sense! I have seen kale chips around the blogs as well, but haven’t tried it yet…you may have talked me into it! Thanks and have a GREAT weekend!
Ann recently posted..Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Tartine

45 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 3:56 PM

Ann — thanks a lot sweetie. Should I trademark the word, “soggify” 😉

46 Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake February 19, 2012 at 10:00 AM

This is such a good idea! Although I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard of kale here in Melbourne before….maybe they don’t sell it. 🙁 Do you think I can use a substitute?
Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake recently posted..Coin Laundry Cafe, Armadale

47 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 4:02 PM

Jenny — you could try using collard greens or swiss chard.

48 Katie {Epicurean Mom Blog} February 19, 2012 at 10:46 AM

Sogify! Love it! I’m so stealing this 😉 your kale chips look scrumptious! I’ve yet to make them, but will probably get to it this week! I wonder if I could trick my girls into eating them??
Katie {Epicurean Mom Blog} recently posted..Butternut Squash and Sage Pizza

49 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 4:05 PM

Katie — hahaha! Thank god I’ve not trademarked “soggify” at the moment 😉

You could absolutely trick your kids into eating “chips”. Our secret!!!

50 Loveforfood February 19, 2012 at 11:46 AM

i have never tried that before.. it looks good and healthy.

51 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 4:08 PM

Loverforfood — it sure is tasty and mimics regular chips, only healthier 🙂

52 Meenakshi February 19, 2012 at 12:30 PM

Well, if we can make paalak ke pakode, then kale chips have to be made! Those look so crisp and gorgeous…love the combination of chilli and cocoa. I love those wooden bowls by the way. AND- soggify is a great word. I am going to use it!
Meenakshi recently posted..Valentine Hangover: Red But Not Quite Velvet Cake

53 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 4:09 PM

Meenakshi — kale chips are so crispy, it’s almost difficult to style since it kept crumbling 😀

Hail to the use of soggify 😉

54 Asmita February 19, 2012 at 12:58 PM

Looks wonderful! Healthy and delicious.
Asmita recently posted..Green Chicken Curry

55 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 4:10 PM

Asmita — thank you!!

56 Hannah February 19, 2012 at 2:43 PM

It’s pretty funny to see how kale chips have taken off in popularity all of a sudden… But also awesome, because a healthy, tasty snack that everyone can eat and love? There’s nothing bad about that! 🙂
Hannah recently posted..Coming to a Newsstand Near You

57 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 4:11 PM

Hannah — I don’t know much about the popularity, but I was so intrigued to see the results. It was difficult to believe that green leafy vegetables could be so light, flavorful and CRISPY 😀

58 Sophie February 19, 2012 at 2:49 PM

A happy weekend to you too! 😉 Kale,…Oh I love thee,…I never tried kale chips: homa-made! I am so going to try this apart recipe!

Kisses! 🙂
Sophie recently posted..Vegan marinated tofu & veggies stir-fry

59 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:02 PM

Sophie — try it and let me know how it tastes 😉 xoxo

60 Yudith @ Blissfully Delicious February 19, 2012 at 5:10 PM

I made these before and was surprised at how delicious (and nutritious) they were.
Yudith @ Blissfully Delicious recently posted..Sunday Morning Oatmeal

61 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:02 PM

Yudith — I was shocked too. Pleasantly, of course 🙂

62 Jenny @ BAKE February 20, 2012 at 9:30 AM

Wow those photos are gorgeous! I can’t wait to try this recipe as I have a terrible crisp (well potato really) obsession and this could be a healthier way of satiating my desires!
Jenny @ BAKE recently posted..Pancakes

63 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:04 PM

Jenny — i have the same infatuation towards crispy foods.

64 Kati Mora, MS, RD, Kellogg's FiberPlus(R) Wellness Advocate February 20, 2012 at 10:26 AM

I love Kale chips! Such a great fiberlicious treat.

65 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:08 PM

Kati — Ditto!!!

66 Em (Wine and Butter) February 20, 2012 at 12:13 PM

And here they are!!! Im very excited to try this version Kiran – I also love your explanation of getting the chips totally right… I knew I was doing something a bit different and right with my latest batches… but I wouldnt have been able to pin point it so well!
Em (Wine and Butter) recently posted..Apple Endive and Walnut Salad

67 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:09 PM

Em — I would love to think I made you proud 🙂

68 Katherine Martinelli February 20, 2012 at 1:02 PM

I’ve been wanting to make kale chips for a while. These look so awesome!!! We can’t get kale in Israel and I miss it so much :-/

69 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:12 PM

Katherine — perhaps you can experiment making it with collard greens or swiss chard.

70 linda @spiceboxtravels February 20, 2012 at 1:06 PM

Hi Kirin, We are pretty crazy about kale chips over here, seasoned simply with olive oil and salt. I am really intrigued by your seasoning, especially the cocoa, so might need to make a new batch today!
linda @spiceboxtravels recently posted..Lunar New Year Images, San Francisco Chinatown 2012

71 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:18 PM

Hi Linda — my name is Kiran 🙂 Do try this recipe and let me know how it taste!!!

72 linda @spiceboxtravels February 23, 2012 at 8:44 PM

Sorry for the typo!

73 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 10:27 PM

Don’t be. It was just a FYI 🙂

74 lisaiscooking February 20, 2012 at 2:26 PM

Hooray for kale chips! Kale doesn’t even seem healthy anymore when turned into a chip–as long as they don’t sogify. 😉
lisaiscooking recently posted..Salsa de Cacahuate y Chile de Arbol

75 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:23 PM

Lisa — I would still classify it healthy so long it is not drenched in oil, but in cocoa bliss 😉

And “sogify” is definitely a huge NO-NO!

76 Biana | Meal Planning Tips February 20, 2012 at 3:27 PM

Love this idea for cooking kale, so healthy and delicious!
Biana | Meal Planning Tips recently posted..How To Make Pizza – Pizza Margherita With Mozzarella, Tomatoes And Basil

77 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:24 PM

Biana — thank you!!!

78 Gourmantine February 20, 2012 at 4:00 PM

I have been reading about kale chips for over a year now too, but always had doubts about their actual ability to be, well chips… got to get around to try them one day!
Gourmantine recently posted..Butternut squash, bacon and blue cheese tartlets

79 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:26 PM

Gourmantine — I had the same reservations, until I made it. Never looked back ever since 😉

80 Liren February 20, 2012 at 4:05 PM

Sogify is the perfect word to describe it!

I haven’t tried kale chips yet, as much as I love the leafy green. I’ve been intrigued ever since I saw Brian post it in A Thought for Food. Thank you for reminding me to give this a try!
Liren recently posted..Simple Sundays | Rustic Red Onion Relish

81 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:28 PM

Liren — Ditto! and please give kale chips a try. It’s time 😀

82 Norma Chang February 20, 2012 at 9:04 PM

Kale chips are one of the items I am making when I start harvesting my kale. Well I have to plant the kale first, spring is just around the corner so pretty soon.
Norma Chang recent post: Growing Lentil Sprouts http://gardentowok.com/

83 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:29 PM

Norma — we can wait to harvest our spring produce as well 🙂

84 vianney February 20, 2012 at 9:04 PM

I have seen kale chips everywhere, such a cool snack and with cocoa powder-love this! I need to try them!!
vianney recently posted..National Margarita Day

85 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:35 PM

Vianney — make it now and let me know how it tastes 🙂

86 Raks February 21, 2012 at 7:09 AM

This sounds new to me, must be a healthy munch for tea time! Lovely clicks!
Raks recently posted..LACHHA PARATHA RECIPE

87 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 8:37 PM

Raks — it’s a healthy munch, for sure 🙂

88 Cass @foodmyfriend February 21, 2012 at 11:53 PM

These look much healthier than my salt and vinegar chips 😛
Cass @foodmyfriend recently posted..Brownie and Vanilla Bean Butter Cream Sandwiches

89 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 11:12 PM

Cass — 😀

90 Deeps @ Naughty Curry February 23, 2012 at 9:38 AM

oh those look delecious, at first i thought ‘chocolate? did i read correct?’ that must have lent an interesting flavour to the chips.. even im not a fan of soggi-fies dishes 🙂
Deeps @ Naughty Curry recently posted..The City of Pearls- Hyderabad

91 Kiran February 23, 2012 at 11:12 PM

Deeps — thanks dear 🙂

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