Equipment
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 150 g curly kale, washed
- 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 3 g fine sea salt
- 2 g garlic powder
- 1 lemon, zested
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius or 300 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Thoroughly dry the washed kale using a salad spinner. Removing all surface moisture is critical for achieving a crispy texture.
Tear the dried kale leaves into large, bite-sized pieces, discarding any remaining thick ribs or stems.
Place the torn kale into a mixing bowl. Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil and use your hands to gently massage the oil into the leaves for about thirty seconds until all pieces are lightly coated and slightly softened.
Sprinkle the sea salt, garlic powder, and fresh lemon zest over the oiled kale. Toss gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Arrange the seasoned kale leaves in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure the pieces do not overlap to prevent steaming.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. The chips are done when they are rigid and slightly shrunken, but the green color remains vibrant.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chips rest undisturbed for 3 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Chef's Notes
- Moisture is the ultimate enemy of crispiness. Take the extra time to ensure your kale is completely dry before adding any oil; even a few drops of water can create steam in the oven.
- Massaging the oil into the leaves rather than just tossing them is a crucial technique. It ensures every crevice is coated and helps break down the tough cellulose structure of the raw greens.
- Resist the urge to add more oil than the recipe states. Too much fat will weigh the delicate leaves down and prevent them from achieving a light, airy crispness.
- Always apply acidic ingredients like lemon juice after baking if you want more tartness. Adding liquid acid before baking introduces moisture that will ruin the texture.
