The Best Kale Recipes You've Ever Tried

Whether the idea of kale turns you off or on, there's no denying that it's a powerhouse when it comes to packing in the nutrients and vitamins. We could go on and on about its nearly unparalled level of vitamin K as well as vitamins A and C, but we've already done that.

Instead, we are going to tell you all the different and deliciousways you can enjoy kale. We promise even those who think of it as a bitter, boring, and lame health food will be convinced otherwise. Try baking kale with olive oil and chile flakes to have a crispy, crunchy snack in just 20 minutes. Play around with the seasonings as one of our editors did by topping it with a little truffle oil.

Still not convinced? Then check out the other recipes we have below and let us know whether we made a believer out of you or not.

Crispy Truffled Kale Chips Recipe
Kale is one of my all-time favorite greens (although, honestly, how many people really keep a list of their favorite greens in mind?) This robust, leafy vegetable is extremely versatile and packed with flavor. Unlike with some hearty greens, such as collards and Swiss chard, kale is delicious both cooked and raw. In this particular recipe lacinato kale is baked up into crispy, delectable chips. Try not to get too addicted.

INGREDIENTS
1 bunch lacinato kale (aka dinosaur or Tuscan kale), stalks trimmed
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon white truffle oil

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

Meanwhile, cut or tear the kale into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum (for easy clean-up), making sure not to overlap the pieces so that they can bake evenly. Coat the kale with olive oil, salt, and half of the crushed red pepper flakes. Bake them for 20 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure the chips don't burn.

Remove the pan from the oven and let the chips cool slightly, then toss gently with the remaining crushed red pepper flakes and truffle oil. Serve immediately or store in an air-tight container.

Recipe Details
Servings: 3
Total time: 30 minutes

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Kale

Kale Tomato Soup with Chickpeas and Cumin
Kale is a polarizing green. For some it denotes healthy lifestyles and for others it screams diet food. But this spicy winter soup will make a believer out of the skeptics. It's a hearty tomato soup for a cold day that secretly also doubles as a healthy meal alternative.

Click Here to see the Kale Tomato Soup with Chickpeas and Cumin Recipe

Risotto Verde
Many doctors say that it's important to get your fix of dark, leafy greens as much as possible. Well, while some of us love munching on the healthy stuff, others might need a little convincing. Embrace the triple dose of iron with this beloved risotto verde recipe. This hued dish will leave you saying, "That was healthy?" Well, not entirely, but...

Click Here to see the Risotto Verde Recipe

Kale-Wrapped Flounder with Lemon, Fennel, and Oregano
Riffing off the idea of steaming fish in banana leaves and baking fish in aluminum foil packets, using hardy kale leaves as a wrapper for delicate flounder gives you a neat little package whose crispy edges add a great texture. The aromatic fennel with herbs like fresh oregano and parsley plus the zing of lemon juice make it extra flavorful.

Click Here to see the Kale-Wrapped Flounder with Lemon, Fennel, and Oregano Recipe

Kale and Pancetta Risotto
If you're just coming around to liking kale, as I am, this is a wonderful recipe to try - the healthy, bitter green is well balanced against the salty pancetta and creamy risotto rice.

Click Here to see the Kale and Pancetta Risotto Recipe

Click Here to see more of the Best Kale Recipes


-Yasmin Fahr, The Daily Meal