How To Grow Kale and Make Kale Chips
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You know you’re getting older when you used to get excited going out to the bar, but now few things bring you more joy than watching your garden grow. I’m serious — when I start seeing leafy greens, I literally dance around the garden beds. See what I mean?
Today, we’re chatting about all things kale — but first, if you haven’t seen my 2022 garden plan yet, feel free to start there! I hope that gives you some inspiration no matter where you are on your gardening journey. If you’re interested in learning more about growing and/or eating this superfood vegetable, keep on reading. Can I get a kale yeah?!
Kale is a rich source of nutrients that can help keep us healthy and thriving. It’s packed with antioxidants, calcium, folate, fibre and iron (yes to getting more dark, leafy greens in our diet!). It’s a fantastic way to get more vitamin A (important for eye and bone health, and your immune system), vitamin C (important for many body functions including the immune system and healing) and vitamin K (important for bone building and blood clotting). It even contains alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. There are so many different kinds of kale and so many delicious ways to eat it — raw or cooked! Not to mention, it's super low in calories.
When you read further down, you’ll see that this recipe also contains nutritional yeast. Besides providing a vegan way to get a cheesy taste, nutritional yeast is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. I’ve been adding it to tons of dishes to top up! Nutritional yeast contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein (like with animal products) to assist with functions like nutrient absorption and tissue repair. It can help to maintain good blood sugar and cholesterol levels, strengthen your immune system, and fight fatigue (it's a vegan source of vitamin B12!). If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend using it like you would parmesan cheese! Kids love it and it's wonderful for pregnant folks.
You can find kale at most farmers markets or stores, but it's also so easy to grow, whether you have raised garden beds or even some containers on a patio. You can grow kale from seed OR by purchasing starter plants. If you’re new to gardening, this is a perfect choice for you.
Kale likes cooler weather, so plant it in August for the fall crop, or during the winter for spring crops. If your kale has bolted, which means it’s reached full maturity and is ready to produce seeds, leave the flowers for the bees and cut the leaves off to enjoy!
Now you know why I love kale so much from a health and gardening perspective. You also might know that I have a young son, so of course I had to have him test this recipe to see if it’s kid-approved. The verdict? Oh yes! Quinn loved these kale chips. If you’re a parent, this is a great snack for your little ones — more proof of why we should get our children into gardening. They can eat the fruits and fibre of their labour!
Okay, I think I’ve gone on for long enough about the benefits and growing process. Let’s get into the recipe!
Here’s what you’ll need:
Equipment:
Knife and cutting board
Baking sheet
Tea towel
Ingredients:
8 cups kale, chopped (one large bunch)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
Salt & pepper to taste
Bake time: 10-12 minutes, until crispy
Kale chips recipe:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
Wash kale and pat dry with a clean tea towel. No need to buy paper towel!
Chop kale into bite-sized pieces and spread onto a baking sheet.
Generously drizzle olive oil over kale.
Top with plenty of nutritional yeast (it gives them a cheesy flavour!), plus salt & pepper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy — keep an eye on them!
Serve and enjoy!
Whether you’ve been on the fence about eating kale, you’ve been considering which vegetables to grow or you’ve been looking for some healthy chips, I hope this blog made a case for growing and enjoying kale! It doesn’t have to be all salads — we are pro-snacks here at The Purposeful You. I’m all for finding ways to get more greens in, especially superfoods like this!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and be sure to keep an eye out for more vegetarian recipes coming your way soon.
