Crispy Kale Crostini

Ingredients

• 1 bunch cavolo nero (Tuscan kale) 1 bunch cavolo nero (Tuscan kale)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 baguette, sliced 1 baguette, sliced
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Sea salt, to taste Sea salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Wash the cavolo nero thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Slice the leaves into thin strips.
3. 3.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced cavolo nero to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
5. 5.
   Meanwhile, arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
6. 6.
   Once the cavolo nero is crispy, remove it from the heat and set aside.
7. 7.
   Take the toasted baguette slices out of the oven and let them cool slightly.
8. 8.
   To assemble the crostini, place a spoonful of the crispy cavolo nero on each toasted baguette slice.
9. 9.
   Drizzle the crostini with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
10. 10.
    Serve the Crispy Kale Crostini immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cavolo Nero — Make sure to remove the tough stems before slicing the leaves. Thoroughly wash the leaves to remove any dirt or debris.
• Baguette — Choose a fresh baguette for the best results. Slicing the baguette into thin slices ensures that they toast evenly in the oven.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sautéed cavolo nero.
• If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them altogether.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat or sourdough, to add variety to the crostini.
• To make the crostini ahead of time, prepare the crispy kale and toasted bread slices separately. Assemble them just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the bread.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Kale Crostini as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light snack. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a few torn basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can drizzle a balsamic reduction over the assembled crostini. This adds a beautiful glaze and a touch of sweetness to the dish. Alternatively, you can serve the crostini on individual small plates, allowing each guest to enjoy their own portion.