(Updated 4-11-24)
Kale is at the top of the superfood list, and its health benefits are undeniable. If you still need to become a fan, don’t worry; these delectable Baked Kale Chips will change your mind. They’re fast and easy to make.
Kale Chips with a Nutty Twist
Kale, a leafy green vegetable with several nutritional benefits, is the foundation for this simple yet delicious recipe. Seasoned with a unique blend of nut butter, spices, and nutritional yeast, Kale chips offer a healthy alternative to traditional snack foods.
In this post, we’ll explore the recipe, the health benefits of kale, and the importance of choosing organically-grown kale. We’ll also explore the taste and texture that make these chips a must-try snack.
Health Benefits of Kale
Kale is a powerhouse of nutrients, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, making it a stellar addition to a whole food, plant-based diet. It’s also packed with fiber and antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol. These have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Kale’s fiber content supports digestive health, and low calories make it ideal for weight management.
Kale and Nitric Oxide
One of the lesser-known advantages of kale is its ability to boost the body’s production of nitric oxide, a critical molecule for cardiovascular health.
This is primarily due to its high content of nitrates, compounds that the body can convert into nitric oxide. It is not related to nitrates found in deli meats. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels, causing them to widen and increase circulation.
This process can significantly impact cardiovascular health in several ways:
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Improved Blood Flow: Nitric oxide improves blood flow by dilating blood vessels, ensuring that organs and tissues receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function optimally.
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Lower Blood Pressure: Lower blood pressure is a key factor in preventing heart disease and stroke.
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Reduced Artery Stiffness: Regular consumption of nitrate-rich foods like kale can reduce the stiffness of arteries, a risk factor for heart disease.
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Decreased Blood Clot Formation: Nitric oxide reduces the chance of blood clots in the vessels, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Taste and Texture
These kale chips, with their nutty, savory flavor, offer a satisfying crunch that rivals traditional potato chips. The nut butter creates a rich, creamy coating on the kale, while the nutritional yeast adds a cheesy umami kick. The result is a snack that’s nutritious but irresistibly tasty.
Why Choose Organic Kale?
Opting for organically grown kale can enhance the health benefits of this snack. In addition, organic kale is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, reducing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Kale is one of the dirty dozen, along with spinach. Like strawberries and spinach, it has a textured surface that makes it difficult, if not impossible, to wash away the residual pesticides.
Here are a few more Super Food recipes:
- Quinoa Salad with Spinach
- Superfood Smoothie
- Black Bean Sweet Potato Quesadilla
- Kale Salad with Oranges
Kale chips with a nutty twist are an excellent snack if you’re hoping to enjoy the health benefits of kale in a crunchy form. By choosing organically grown kale and incorporating wholesome ingredients, you can create a snack that’s good for you but also delightful to your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for healthier snack options, these kale chips are a great option.
I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below for this Kale Chips recipe! If you have a photo, post it on my Facebook page, tag me using the hashtag #plantbasedcooking
Kale Chips
Ingredients
- 4 large leaves kale stems removed, washed and torn into large pieces
- 1-2 tbsp nut butter
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp low-sodium tamari plus a little water to thin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Wash and dry the kale leaves thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, mix the nut butter, onion powder, garlic powder and nutritional yeast and tamari with a fork or small whisk. Add a tad of water if it's too hard to mix.
- Using clean hands, add the kale to the bowl and massage the nut butter mixture into the kale, then lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. You may need to use 2 sheets.
- Bake the chips for 10 minutes, rotate the pan and bake another 10 minutes, checking to see if they're getting brown. Don't overcook.
- Let them cool a few minutes before eating. They are quite delicate. They're crisp up as they cool.
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