6 Jun, 2012

Kale The Queen Of Greens

Posted by Stacy

Baked kale chips are a healthy alternative to chips.

Ingredients

1 bunch large curly kale
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon baking mats.
Wash the kale and dry throughly on paper towels.
Cut away the center spine from each kale leaf. Discard.
Cut the leaves into the desired size, beware of shrinkage.
Place leaves in a medium-sized bowl. Toss with the olive oil and salt until even coated.
Place the kale in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the leaves every 10 minutes, until all leaves are crisp.
Cool slightly before eating.

9 Other things to do with Kale

Kale Pesto – More flavorful than basil pesto, this is a great addition to pizza, pasta, or in an omelet.
Sauteed Kale – For a hearty side dish, this is a classic preparation. I saute onions and garlic before I add the kale, and add a couple dashes of hot sauce for an added kick.
Kale Quiche – You can substitute any spinach quiche with kale and it offers the same great taste with the added health benefits.
Kale Soup – A classic kale soup is made with white beans and ham or sausage.
Kale Lasagna – The perfect “make ahead” recipe for a hearty dinner is a dish the whole family can enjoy.
Kale Juice – If you own a juicer, kale is quite possibly the healthiest thing to juice. Mix it with apples, carrot and a little lemon for a drink that is better for you than liquid gold.
Kale Slaw – You can substitute raw kale for raw cabbage in this recipe.
Kale Pasta – One of my favorite ingredients to add to pasta. Goes with just about anything from spaghetti to sausage pasta to baked macaroni and cheese.
Kale Pizza – One of my favorite combinations is sauteed kale, caramelized onions, strong white cheeses, and some crispy bacon.