Addictive Kale Chip Recipe for Potato Chip Addicts
Try these tasty kale chips to eliminate your potato chip cravings
What are Kale Chips?
Kale chips are a healthy and delicious snack made by baking thin slices of kale until they become crisp. They can be flavored with various seasonings like garlic, parmesan cheese, or lemon juice. Kale chips are rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as dietary fiber which helps the body feel full for longer. They can be served as a snack on their own or used to add crunchiness to salads or other dishes.
The Origin of Kale Chips
Kale chips have been around for a surprisingly long time. Records show that Scottish households had recipes for kale chips as far back as the 1700s, when the dish was typically served with beer. (1)
Since then, kale chips have become a popular snack all over the world: they’re tasty and packed with nutrients! Although today we tend to enjoy these crunchy treats in many varieties — from seasoned with garlic and olive oil to sweetened with honey — those pioneers of yore probably stuck to their traditional method of cooking the kale leaves with butter, salt, and pepper.
With all sorts of flavours now available, there’s sure to be a version of kale chips everyone can enjoy!
How to Make Delicious Kale Chips
Ingredients:
- 2 large bunches of kale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, parmesan cheese, lemon juice)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Rinse and dry the kale leaves then remove the tough stems and tear into bite sized pieces.
3. Place the kale in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil then mix until all of the leaves are evenly coated.
4. Spread the kale onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with salt and other optional seasonings if desired.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the chips are crispy, making sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
6. Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
Why Kale?
The Health Benefits of Kale
Kale is a nutritious superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It provides many health benefits such as:
- Heart Health: Kale is high in fiber and potassium which helps reduce bad cholesterol levels. It also contains lutein and zeaxanthin which are linked to reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Gut Health: Kale is an excellent source of dietary fiber which can help promote regularity and reduce bloating.
- Brain Function: Kale is rich in folate, a B vitamin that helps improve cognitive function and mood. It also contains Vitamin E which may protect against age related mental decline.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Kale contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, Beta Carotene, flavonoids and polyphenols. What are antioxidants?
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules in the body that help fight disease and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. (2)They also aid in the prevention of a wide range of chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Some common antioxidants include:
- Vitamins A, C, and E: These vitamins are found in many fruits and vegetables such as apples, leafy greens, and berries.
- Lycopene: Found in foods such as tomatoes and watermelons, lycopene helps reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- Selenium: This mineral can be found in nuts and seeds such as Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds. It helps protect against cell damage on a molecular level.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids are natural compounds found in many plants including tea leaves, cocoa beans, onions, garlic, grapes, blueberries and apples. They have numerous health benefits including reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Animal studies (3)suggest that flavonoids such as Kaempferol can provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Cancer Prevention: Kale contains sulforaphane which has been linked to anti-cancer properties. It also has antioxidants like beta carotene as well as Vitamin C, both of which may help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers.
Can you make healthy chips with other vegetables?
Making Healthy Chips with Other Vegetables
Yes, it is possible to make healthy chips with other vegetables! Some options include:
- Zucchini chips: Slice zucchini into thin rounds and season them with herbs of your choice (like oregano, thyme, or rosemary) before baking on a greased baking sheet for 20 minutes at 425°F.
- Sweet potato chips: Cut sweet potatoes into thin slices and bake for 15 minutes at 400°F. Sprinkle with garlic powder for an added kick of flavor.
- Carrot chips: Peel carrots and slice them into thin rounds. Mix in some olive oil, salt, and other seasonings as desired then bake at 350°F until golden brown.
- Beet chips: Slice beets thinly and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper and your favorite spices. Bake at 400°F until crispy.
Conclusion
Making healthy chips with vegetables is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a nutritious snack. From kale chips to zucchini, sweet potato, carrot, and beet chips, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. These vegetable chips have all the crunch you crave without all the fat and calories! So take advantage of this guilt-free snack and enjoy your healthy chips!
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References:
- “Kale — an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.” Kale — an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/kale. Accessed 17 Jan. 2023.
2. “9 Health Benefits of Kale.” 9 Health Benefits of Kale, www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-kale. Accessed 17 Jan. 2023.
3. Alam, Waqas, et al. “Kaempferol as a Dietary Anti-Inflammatory Agent: Current Therapeutic Standing.” PubMed Central (PMC), 7 Sept. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7570692.






