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Authentic Grünkohl mit Pinkel

A hearty and comforting German dish featuring kale, sausages, and rich broth, perfect for chilly nights.
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: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Kale Preparation
  • 2 - 2.2 pounds fresh curly kale Or the same amount of frozen kale
  • 2 tablespoons goose fat, lard, or butter For cooking the onions
  • 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 pieces Pinkelwurst sausages
  • 2 pieces smoked Mettwurst or other smoked German sausages
  • Salt To taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper To taste
  • 2 - 2.5 pounds potatoes About 900 g to 1.1 kg, for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash the kale thoroughly and remove any thick stems, tearing or cutting leaves into bite-sized pieces.
  2. If using frozen kale, separate leaves before adding to the pot.
Cooking the Kale
  1. In a large heavy pot over medium heat, melt the goose fat, lard, or butter.
  2. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for a few minutes until soft, fragrant, and lightly golden.
  3. Gradually add the kale, allowing each handful to wilt before adding more and stirring continuously to coat.
  4. Add the mustard, sugar, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt, then pour in the broth.
  5. Nestle the Kassler and smoked pork belly into the kale, pushing them down slightly.
  6. Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more broth if necessary.
  7. Place the Pinkelwurst and Mettwurst on top of the kale after the initial cooking time.
  8. Cover again and cook for another 30 to 40 minutes, avoiding boiling.
  9. Check the consistency of the kale and simmer uncovered if too thin.
  10. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender and serve whole or halved.
  11. Adjust the seasoning of the kale before serving with more pepper, mustard, or sugar if needed.
Serving
  1. Let the pot sit off heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, then slice the Kassler and serve alongside the kale and potatoes, spooning some of the liquid over the dish.

Notes

Leftover kale can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge or frozen for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop and consider adding broth for moisture.