Zesty Tahini Kale Chips
Enjoy a nutritious and crunchy snack with these Zesty Tahini Kale Chips! This homemade version elevates the classic kale chip, infused with a delicious tahini-based sauce that incorporates vibrant bell peppers, aromatic garlic, and a mix of fresh herbs. Not only are these chips easy to make, but they're also more affordable than store-bought options. With the flexibility to customize the spices and herbs to match your preference, you'll find experimenting to be half the fun. Ideal for health enthusiasts, these low-cholesterol kale chips make a perfect snack or side dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tahini
1/4 cup (raw)
Red bell pepper
1/2 (chopped)
Garlic
1 clove (peeled)
Parsley
1/2 cup (fresh, chopped)
Cilantro
1/4 cup (fresh, chopped)
Green onion
1 (chopped)
Nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons (raw)
Apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (raw)
Lime juice
1 (freshly squeezed)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (raw)
Salt
1 dash (to taste)
Pepper
1 dash (to taste)
Kale
1 bunch (washed, torn into pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your dehydrator to 115°F (46°C) if needed.
2
In a food processor, combine tahini, chopped red bell pepper, garlic (peeled), parsley, cilantro, chopped green onion, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3
Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the stems. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
4
In a large mixing bowl, add the kale pieces. Pour the tahini mixture over the kale and gently massage the mixture into the leaves to ensure they are evenly coated.
5
Alternatively, place the kale pieces in a large resealable plastic bag, add the tahini mixture, and seal the bag. Shake vigorously until the kale is coated.
6
Spread the coated kale in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, making sure not to overcrowd.
7
Dehydrate the kale chips for 5 to 6 hours, or until they are crisp to your liking. Check periodically to avoid over-drying.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Tahini Kale Chips?
Zesty Tahini Kale Chips are a nutritious and crunchy homemade snack made by coating kale leaves in a flavorful tahini-based sauce and dehydrating them until crisp.
Are these kale chips vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
How do I prepare the tahini sauce for the chips?
Combine tahini, chopped red bell pepper, garlic, parsley, cilantro, green onion, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a food processor and blend until smooth.
What is the recommended dehydration temperature?
You should set your dehydrator to 115°F (46°C) to dry the kale chips properly.
How long does it take to dehydrate the kale chips?
The kale chips typically take 5 to 6 hours to dehydrate, though you should check them periodically to reach your desired level of crispness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe, including tahini and nutritional yeast, are naturally gluten-free.
How should I prepare the kale before coating it?
Wash the kale thoroughly, remove the tough stems, and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
What is the best way to coat the kale with the sauce?
You can either massage the mixture into the leaves in a large bowl or place everything in a large resealable plastic bag and shake it until evenly coated.
Are these chips a low-cholesterol snack?
Yes, these Zesty Tahini Kale Chips are a low-cholesterol snack option.
Can I customize the spices in this recipe?
Absolutely! The recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust the herbs and spices to match your personal flavor preferences.
How much tahini is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of raw tahini.
Do I need to use fresh herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for fresh parsley and fresh cilantro for the best flavor profile.
Why should I make these at home instead of buying them?
Homemade kale chips are more affordable than store-bought options and allow you to control the ingredients and spice levels.
How do I arrange the kale on the dehydrator trays?
Spread the coated kale in a single layer, ensuring you do not overcrowd the trays so they can crisp up evenly.
What role does the nutritional yeast play?
Nutritional yeast provides a savory, slightly cheesy flavor that complements the zesty tahini sauce.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
The recipe recommends using the juice of one freshly squeezed lime for the most vibrant flavor.
Is the garlic used raw or cooked?
One clove of peeled, raw garlic is blended into the sauce.
How do I prevent the chips from over-drying?
Check the chips periodically after 5 hours to ensure they are crisp but not burnt or overly brittle.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar.
Are these chips spicy?
They have a slight kick from 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your liking.
How much kale do I need for one batch?
One bunch of kale is used for this recipe.
Can I serve these as a side dish?
Yes, while they are a great snack, they also work perfectly as a healthy side dish.
What kind of bell pepper is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a red bell pepper, chopped.
Do I need to add salt and pepper?
Yes, a dash of salt and pepper should be added to the sauce to taste.
What makes the coating creamy?
The combination of tahini and the blended vegetables/herbs creates a smooth and creamy consistency.
Is the green onion used in the sauce or as a garnish?
The green onion is chopped and blended directly into the sauce in the food processor.
Should the kale be dry before adding the sauce?
It is best to wash and then dry the kale as much as possible so the sauce adheres better to the leaves.
Is the sauce thick or thin?
The sauce should be blended until it is smooth and creamy enough to coat the leaves without dripping off excessively.
What texture should the chips have when finished?
The chips should be light and crisp to your liking once the dehydration process is complete.
Can I use different types of kale like Lacinato?
Yes, while a standard bunch of kale is mentioned, you can use curly kale or Lacinato (Dino) kale for this recipe.