In this article, we’re exploring how to use a food dehydrator to make delightful kale chips seasoned in three distinct flavors.
Making kale chips is a breeze, and what’s more, it’s a fantastic and simple approach to incorporating greens into your diet. The kind of kale you choose isn’t critical; we’ve used both Tuscan kale and red kale in this recipe, but feel free to experiment.
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In this article:
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read): Key Takeaways
- 🥗 You can season kale chips in multiple ways to add variety and flavor to your snack.
- 🌿 Dehydrated kale chips can be flavored with a simple combination of salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- 🌶️ Experimenting with different spice combinations, such as Moroccan and Asian flavors, can add variety and excitement to homemade kale chips.
- 🥨 Sprinkling lightly toasted sesame seeds on Asian-flavored kale chips adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall texture.
- 😋 The taste of the kale chips is “awesome,” indicating that they are delicious and satisfying.
- 🌿 This is probably the easiest way to eat kale and if you haven’t tried kale chips before but you like seaweed.
Prepping the Kale
To begin, cut the hard stalks from the ends of the kale, chop them into chunks, and wash thoroughly. Pat the kale dry to remove excess moisture; if you have a salad spinner at home, it would be an excellent tool for this job.
Creating the Flavour Combinations
Now, let’s dive into the exciting part – the three distinct seasonings:
1. Salt and Pepper Seasoning
Let’s start with our first flavor – a simple mix of salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Mix one to two teaspoons each of sea salt and pepper and two tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl.
- Add your kale and mix thoroughly to coat.
2. Moroccan Spiced Seasoning
- Combine one teaspoon of sea salt, half a teaspoon each of garlic powder and smoked paprika, a quarter teaspoon each of ground chili powder, ground cumin powder, and dried oregano in a separate bowl.
- Add two tablespoons of olive oil and stir well.
- Add your kale to the bowl and mix thoroughly to coat.
3. Asian Inspired Seasoning
- In another bowl, combine half a teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of sea salt, and a quarter teaspoon of Chinese five spices.
- Add one tablespoon each of olive oil and sesame oil.
- Add your kale to the bowl and mix well to coat.
- When laying your Asian-flavored kale chips on the trays, sprinkle a tablespoon of lightly toasted sesame seeds.
Now, it’s time to arrange the kale chips on the dehydrator trays. Ensure there’s enough space for air circulation for optimum dehydration.
Dehydrating the Kale Chips
Once your trays are loaded, re-stack them, replace the machine lid, and set the dehydrator to 20-125 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius for eight hours).
After the kale chips have dehydrated for eight hours, it’s time to inspect the results. The chips turn out exceptionally crispy, with the flavors intensifying under dehydration.
Because the dehydration process is at such a low temperature, the chips remain nutrient-rich.
Storage Tips
These chips will last about a week in an airtight container, though they’re so tasty, they may not stick around that long!
If you’re a fan of seaweed, you’re bound to love these kale chips. Try out this easy method of enjoying kale and share your experience in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dehydrated kale good?
Yes, dehydrated kale is not only tasty but also packed with vital nutrients. The dehydration process at low temperatures helps to preserve essential nutrients, offering a healthy and delicious snack.
Are dried kale chips healthy?
Absolutely! Dried kale chips are a great source of vitamins A, K, and C. They also provide minerals like calcium and potassium. As a bonus, when you make your own at home, you can control the added salt and oil to suit your dietary needs.
How long does it take kale to dehydrate?
Typically, it takes around eight hours to dehydrate kale at a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius. This timeframe ensures the kale chips come out perfectly crispy.
How do you dehydrate and store kale?
After washing and drying the kale, season it according to your preference. Then, spread it evenly on the dehydrator trays and set the temperature to 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) for eight hours. Once dehydrated, let them cool, then store them in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.
Can I use any type of kale for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any variety of kale for this recipe. We used Tuscan kale and red kale, but the choice is yours.
Do I need to use the specific seasonings in the recipe?
No, you can customize the seasonings based on your preference. The recipes provided are just to get you started. Feel free to experiment!
Conclusion
There you have it – dehydrated kale chips in three fantastic flavors! A healthy, delicious snack that’s incredibly easy to prepare. We hope you give this recipe a try and happy dehydrating!