Momma G tried her darndest to get me to eat broccoli as a kid. I didn't just not like it. I haaaated it. I may or may not have been spanked for "hiding" a large hunk of it in my milk glass at one time, and then lying about its whereabouts. What's that greenish thing in my milk, you asked? Silly parentals. It's moldy milk, of course! Better throw that out too.
I've grown to like broccoli (strange seeing as we had such a traumatic start). Another green thing I've grown to like...kale. And it kinda reminds me of the flavor of broccoli. Which is also funny because I wouldn't have even known what to do with it a short while ago. I've been doing this funny thing lately when i go to the store or farmer's market. I throw stuff in my cart or basket that I've never bought before but i know is good for me. It forces me to try new things and I'll have to eat them before they go bad or I'll feel guilty.
I've only made kale chips a handful of times, and believe me when i declare their deliciousness! Baking kale this way miraculously makes it so crunchy! You can't tell from the pic, but these little guys are thin little crispy, salty wafers and you won't be able to keep them around very long after baking them.
I was having a craving for something spicy and salty today and rummaged though the fridge. I found a lime, a head of kale (that was one day away from being toss-able) and some Greek yogurt. Hmmmm...
I've made kale chips with lime juice before (thanks to this helpful blogger's suggestion), but never with just zest. I like it better with the zest because i think the juice makes them a bit soggy. And I thought a spicy dipping sauce would go well with them. If you haven't tried Sriracha sauce before and you like spice - you should try it. It's in the Asian aisle. It has such a delicious flavor, in addition to the spice.
This little snack has all the saltiness, crunch and flavor that one expects from a snack - with zero guilt and a side of nutrition.
I guess Momma G was right. Eating veggies can be delicious. But don't tell her I said that.
Crispy Lime Kale Chips
1 head kale, washed, dried and torn away from the stem into bite-size pieces
1/2 tbsp olive oil
Sprinkle of salt
Zest of one lime
Preheat oven to 300.
Place kale pieces on large (or two small) cookie sheets. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle on the zest and salt. Toss gently with your finger tips until all the kale is coated with a little oil.
Bake 15 or so minutes (check them) until slightly brown and crunchy.
Spicy Dipping Sauce
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp sriracha - start here and then taste and add till you get the right heat level
2 tsps lime juice or more if you like
Sprinkle of salt
Mix together. Taste and adjust. Serve.
