“Mom, can you please buy some more kale?”

November 22, 2009

I kid you not, my kids have said this numerous times since I served them Kale Chips.  I have to share this recipe with you because:

  1. It’s hard enough to figure out what to do with this tough, curly vegetable that’s supposed to be so good for us.
  2. When kids love dark leafy stuff, you listen.
  3. At $3 a bunch, kale chips are cheaper than a bag of Lay’s.  (But really, is money an object when children are begging for green veggies?)

We first got a hold of this recipe at our CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture farm share.  Our volunteer coordinator, Jenny Lue, shared it with us when we went to pick up our potatoes, sage, eggplants, beets and, of course, kale.

Baked Kale Chips

(adapted by Jenny Lue)

This is a delicious, healthy potato chip alternative. Kale is a “super food” packed with fiber, calcium, vitamins A, C, E, and other nutrients, plus it has a delightful crunch! You can season the chips however you wish; you may want to use a pinch of cumin & coriander, or black pepper and salt, or some fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.

  • 1 bunch kale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or other)
  • generous pinch of salt
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Cut off the kale stems and chop the leaves in 2 inch pieces.  Wash the kale in a large bowl or salad spinner by soaking it in several changes of water.  Spin dry or pat dry with towels.
  2. In a large bowl toss the kale with the oil, vinegar and salt. Use your hands to evenly coat each piece.
  3. Spread the kale out on to a baking sheet; minimize overlapping for even baking.
  4. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until crispy.

Kale chips

Want to find out more about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?  Check out Local Harvest, where you can also search for farms near you that sell shares of their harvest.

Have you discovered a fun way to serve up veggies that pleases the whole family? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below.

pixelstats trackingpixel

You also might like:

  1. Homemade Pizza is Not a Big Deal — Seriously
  2. 4 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes So You Can Enjoy the Day
  3. What Happens When Kids Know More About Good Food?
  4. Host of Food Network’s ‘Ten Dollar Dinners’ Shares Tips & Recipes
  5. Wow your Family with these Incredibly Simple Gnocchi
Share
Print Friendly and PDF

 

{10 Intelligent opinions... read them below or add one}

Ghi November 23, 2009 at 2:28 pm

I’m going to try this! As far as hiding veggies? I chop put a bit of spinach in meatballs when I make them, puree veggie soups (so they don’t know what’s in it!), and they will eat any vegetable that is in Risotto. ;-)

Reply

KKD November 24, 2009 at 8:00 am

My six year old daughter, who is not the biggest fan of veggies, loved your recipe for Kale Chips. They are crispy, crunchy and quite tasty.

Reply

Amy Reads Good Books November 24, 2009 at 9:37 am

I love kale chips! When I first heard about them, I could only think. . .”eww!” But they really are amazing and delicious, and you’re right. . very frugal!
.-= Amy Reads Good Books´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday =-.

Reply

Amy November 24, 2009 at 8:23 pm

Amy, Kristine: I’m glad to hear you like kale chips as well as we do! We need to find a way to market these things.

Ghi: I like your idea about pureed soups and risotto. We love risotto too, but I usually don’t venture beyond mushrooms. What other vegetables do you add?

Reply

Ghi December 10, 2009 at 5:22 pm

So I tried the recipe today for my sons play-date and the other kids and I LOVED them, but disappointingly my kids didn’t… =(

As per types of veggies I put in Risotto ~ Mushrooms, Asparagus, Squash. =)

Reply

Amy December 10, 2010 at 9:51 pm

I kind-of can’t believe it, but my kids still LOVE these. To the point where both girls have now requested they be served at their BIRTHDAY PARTIES. Amen.

Reply

michele schiavone December 14, 2010 at 3:17 pm

what kind of vinegar do you use for the kale chips? going to try this recipe soon!

Reply

Amy December 14, 2010 at 3:48 pm

Hi Michele,

I’m glad you’re going to try it! The original recipe called for apple cider vinegar, but I use what ever I have on hand — usually wine vinegar. There’s so little called for, that I don’t think it really matters.

Let me know how they come out!

Amy

Reply

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv badge

{10 Intelligent opinions... read them below or add one}

Previous post:

Next post: