BBQ Kale Chips (RAWBQ)

The BBQ Zucchini Chips were such a hit the other day, I used the same recipe on dino kale (Lacinato). AWESOME, although, very different texture from the zucchini chips. I personally prefer curly kale...either way, this recipe is a winner. It's VERY zippy, so tone down the red chili powder and cayenne, if you don't like spicy!


Spicy BBQ Sauce Ingredients: 

1 head kale (depending on size and how heavily you coat them)
1 cup filtered water
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
3 Tablespoons coconut oil
2 Tablespoons sunflower seeds (soaked 2 hours) (optional)
4 sun dried tomato (soaked and chopped)
1 1/2 Tablespoons onion powder 
2 Tablespoons maple syrup  (or your favorite sweetener)
1 1/2 teaspoons cilantro, dried 
1  teaspoon basil, dried 
3/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon hot red chili powder (these are VERY spicy, or 1/4 teaspoon chili powder)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional if you don't use hot red chili powder)
*1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional - but REALLY gives the BBQ authentic flavor..and it's inexpensive)
Garnish with hemp seeds (optional)

*OPTION : Instead of liquid smoke - try using smoked paprika or smoked sun dried tomatoes. I don't know much about this product, but I've seen it used by Russell James and Matthew Kenney. I had it in my cabinet, and figured I'd try it. I'm going to look for smoked paprika which is probably a good option.

Directions:
1 - Add ingredients to blender and mix until sunflower seeds and tomatoes are completely processed. Scrape down sides of blender if needed, and continue to blend until well mixed.

2 - Wash and spin-dry kale, and break into large chip sized pieces, removing any thick stems.

3 - Massage BBQ Sauce onto both sides of kale leaves. Place on non-stick dehydrator tray and dehydrate  3 hours at 110 degrees F.

4 - Flip chips over onto mesh dehydrator tray.

5 - Continue to dehydrate 12-15 hours (depending on humidity), until dry and crunchy.

Click HERE for Spicy BBQ Zucchini Chips

This is Curly Kale.

These are dehydrated Curly Kale Chips. You can see how much thicker/heavier they are compared to the Dinosaur Kale chips below.

This is Dinosaur (or Lacinto) Kale.

These are dehydrated Dinosaur or Lacinto Kale Chips. Both delicious. You decide which texture you prefer...(How about a mixture of both?)