How to make Spiced Tuscan Kale Chips

Hello, I’m Elaina, the culinary enthusiast behind Flavour Food and Wine. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that’s a delightful blend of Italian flavors and healthy eating – Spiced Tuscan Kale Chips. This dish transforms nutrient-rich Tuscan kale into crispy, flavorful chips seasoned with a blend of Italian spices. It’s a perfect snack for those who are health-conscious but don’t want to compromise on taste. So, let’s embark on this culinary journey and explore the wonderful world of Spiced Tuscan Kale Chips together.

Spiced Tuscan Kale Chips Recipe

Spiced tuscan kale chips

Admittedly, I have been obsessed with kale lately! There is a dish at one of my favourite breakfast places, Fresh Café, that serves one of the most delicious meals that brilliantly showcases kale! I was hooked. Not only is this one of the prettiest of greens around, it’s ridiculously healthy for you. Bonus! 

There are a few different types of kale, including the more popular curly kale, which has a dark green colour and rich peppery taste. The kale that I used for this recipe is called Tuscan Kale and has a beautiful soft flavour, bursting with green healthy goodness. As part of the cruciferous family, kale is most closely related to wild cabbage, and has similar health benefits as broccoli, cauliflower and collard greens…all of which I love as well!

Inspired by my love for anything crispy and salty, I instantly thought of grabbing my new favourite ingredient to make chips (much like I did with my Beetroot Chips). I followed a similar process and what came of it was a crispy, savoury and an absolutely perfect substitute for potato chips on movie night. The crunchy sound that they make drive me giddy! Try it for yourselves, I promise that if you’re a veggie fan like me, you’ll go crazy for these crispy treats!

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Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 13 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine England

Servings 2 people

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• 1 baking sheet
• 1 oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 head of Tuscan kale
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp crushed red chilies or to taste
• 1 tsp coarse sea salt or to taste

Instructions

 

• Wash the head of kale thoroughly.
• Remove hard stems and lay out individual leaves on kitchen towel to dry.
• Work in two batches.
• Place half of the leaves in a large bowl and drizzle 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil (don’t use too much oil as this will make the chips greasy).
• Sprinkle with sea salt and crushed red chilies. Repeat for second batch.
• Spread kale leaves in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
• Place in 350° pre-heated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
• Watch them to ensure they don’t burn as they’re very thin and crisp up quickly.
• Remove from sheet and serve.
• Enjoy immediately (I love when they are warm actually) or store in air tight container/plastic bag.

Video

Keyword olive oil, Tuscan kale

About spiced tuscan kale chips

Spiced Tuscan Kale Chips are a delightful blend of Italian flavors and healthy eating. This recipe transforms nutrient-rich Tuscan kale into crispy, flavorful chips seasoned with a blend of Italian spices. Originating from Tuscany, a region in Italy known for its love of fresh, local produce, these kale chips offer a unique gastronomic experience that’s both satisfying and healthful.

Cooking Tips

• Choose fresh, crisp Tuscan kale (also known as Lacinato or Dinosaur kale) for the best texture and flavor.
• Remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into large pieces before baking.
• Toss the kale lightly in olive oil to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This helps the kale crisp up without becoming too greasy.
• Spread the kale out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overlapping can result in soggy chips.
• Watch the kale closely towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning. The chips should be crispy but not browned.

Serving Suggestions

• Spiced Tuscan Kale Chips can be served as a snack, an appetizer, or a side dish.
• Pair them with a creamy dip like hummus or tzatziki for a more substantial snack.
• For a balanced meal, serve these chips with a hearty soup or sandwich.
• Pair it with a glass of Chianti, a red wine from Tuscany, for a true Italian experience.
• For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use other types of kale for this recipe? Yes, you can use other types of kale like curly kale or red Russian kale. However, Tuscan kale has a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor that works well in this recipe.
• Can I make the kale chips in advance? Kale chips are best eaten fresh as they can lose their crispness over time. However, if you need to make them in advance, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• What can I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning? If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own blend with dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
• Can I make these chips spicy? Absolutely! Feel free to add a sprinkle of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Can I make this dish vegan?  Yes, you can replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.

Spiced Tuscan Kale Chips are a snack that truly celebrates the flavors of Italy and the health benefits of kale. Their combination of crispy kale and Italian spices creates a satisfying and flavorful treat. By following the provided cooking tips and serving suggestions, you can create a batch of these healthy chips right in your own kitchen. Remember, cooking is about creativity and personalization, so feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!