How to Make Kale Taste Good (+ A Foolproof Kale Chip Recipe!)
Kale might not be on your favorite vegetables list yet. But we believe we can change that (bold, we know). There are so many ways to spruce up this nutrient-packed veggie and leave you craving more!
TECHNIQUES
We use a variety of techniques to make kale taste good. They involve balancing the bitterness with other flavors and modifying the tough and fibrous texture to make it easier to eat.
Massaging Kale – massaging kale with a little oil and/or lemon juice for just a few minutes makes it more tender and easier to chew. Plus, it adds an extra boost of flavor.
Sautéing – this is one of our favorite ways to enjoy kale as the cooking makes it easier to chew and provides a more subtle flavor that makes sautéed kale very versatile. It also shrinks it down a bit so it’s easier to eat more!
Making into Chips – this is the best way to use up a lot of kale because it shrinks down while cooking. It also yields a crisp texture that many parents report can turn kids into kale lovers, too! (Scroll down to get a foolproof Kale Chip recipe!)
Adding to Curries / Soups – kale can be added near the end of the cooking process for a boost of color and nutrients. Fresh and frozen both work well here.
Simple Salads + Dressing Ideas – unlike most other greens, kale holds up extremely well in salads and can be enjoyed even 1-2 days after adding the dressing.
HOW TO MAKE KALE CHIPS
Foolproof kale chips that are crispy, easy to make, and so versatile! Just 30 minutes required for this healthy, simple snack.
INGREDIENTS
1 large bundle curly green or purple kale
1-2 Tbsp melted coconut or avocado oil
Seasonings of choice (i.e. pinch sea salt, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp curry powder, 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast, etc. // measurements listed per 1 large bundle kale)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (107 C)
Rinse and thoroughly dry kale, then tear into small pieces and discard any large stems.
Add to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with oil and seasonings of choice. Toss thoroughly to combine, using hands to distribute the oil and seasonings evenly.
Spread the kale over 2 large baking sheets (use fewer or more if adjusting batch size), ensuring the kale touches as little as possible to help them crisp while baking.
Bake for 15 minutes, then turn the pans around and lightly toss/stir kale to ensure even baking. Bake for 5-10 minutes more, or until kale is crispy and very light golden brown. Watch closely as it can burn easily.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly – chips will crisp up even more once out of the oven.
Enjoy immediately! Best when fresh. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2-3 days