Remove stems from the kale by pulling between your fingers, or by using a knife. Chop into small pieces. Preheat the oven to 425 deg F (218 C). Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment.
Make the batter: Add all the dry ingredients into a bowl and mix. Add oil if using and water and whisk to make a thick smooth batter. If the batter is too thin/watery, add more chickpea flour a few tsp at a time and whisk in. If too thick, add water (1-2 tbsp). You want the batter to be thick and close to pasty so that it sticks well to the leaves.
Add the kale to the batter, and mix and rub the batter on/between the leaves
Spread on parchment lined sheet, and bake at 425 degrees for a total of 18-28 minutes. Bake time depends on the size of the kale, and how crisp you'd like it to be. Reduce temp to 375 degrees F (190 C) after 22 minutes. Move the dish around for even baking.
Sprinkle some chaat masala or cayenne(red chili powder) Serve with green chutney, or tamarind chutney!Store: on the counter for the day.
