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Authentic Grünkohl mit Pinkel

This hearty German kale and sausage dish warms you up on chilly evenings and is perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: German
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the main dish
  • 2 to 2.2 pounds fresh curly kale or the same amount frozen kale
  • 2 tablespoons goose fat, lard, or butter
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cups beef or vegetable broth (about 475 ml), plus more as needed
  • 1 tablespoon German mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 8 oz Kassler (about 225 g)
  • 8 oz smoked pork belly or thick bacon (about 225 g)
  • 4 Pinkelwurst sausages
  • 2 smoked Mettwurst or other smoked German sausages
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 to 2.5 pounds potatoes (about 900 g to 1.1 kg) for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash the kale thoroughly and remove thick, tough stems. Tear or cut the leaves into bite-sized pieces and ensure they’re clean.
  2. For frozen kale, separate as much as possible before adding it to the pot.
Sauté Onions
  1. Heat the goose fat, lard, or butter in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions. Cook for a few minutes until they are soft and lightly golden, releasing a delicious aroma.
Cook the Kale
  1. Gradually add the kale, allowing each portion to wilt slightly before adding more. Stir continuously to coat all the leaves, ensuring even cooking and flavor infusion.
Add Flavorings
  1. Stir in the mustard, sugar, black pepper, and a small amount of salt if using. Pour in the broth and mix well. The kale should be moist, simmering gently without being submerged.
Incorporate Meats
  1. Place the Kassler and smoked pork belly into the kale, pressing them down lightly. Their smoky juices will enrich the dish as it cooks, adding depth.
Slow Cook
  1. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 45 to 60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more broth if it starts to dry out.
Add Sausages
  1. After the initial cooking, add the Pinkelwurst and smoked Mettwurst. Gently press them into the kale and cover again, cooking on low heat for another 30 to 40 minutes.
Final Adjustments
  1. Gently stir the kale and check its consistency. If it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes. If too dry, add a splash of broth and stir well.
Cook Potatoes
  1. While the kale is finishing, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain well and serve them whole, halved, or browned in butter for a lovely contrast.
Taste and Serve
  1. Just before serving, taste the kale. Adjust seasoning with more pepper or mustard if necessary. Let it sit off the heat for a few minutes before serving.
Plating
  1. Slice the Kassler as desired and serve the kale along with the sausages and potatoes. Spoon some of the savory liquid over the dish.

Notes

Store any leftover kale in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months.