Indulge in the rich tapestry of German culinary heritage with Grünkohl mit Pinkel, a beloved dish cherished across the country. This traditional fare, hailing from the northern regions of Germany, combines the earthy essence of kale with the robust flavors of Pinkel sausage, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that warms both body and soul. Slow-cooked to perfection, the kale melds seamlessly with the smoky, savory notes of the Pinkel sausage, while accompanying ingredients such as potatoes, onions, and spices add layers of depth to every bite. Whether enjoyed as a comforting family dinner or as a centerpiece for festive gatherings, Grünkohl mit Pinkel embodies the essence of German cuisine, inviting you to immerse yourself in a culinary journey steeped in tradition and flavor.

Here's a traditional recipe for Grünkohl mit Pinkel:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (about 900g) fresh kale, washed and chopped
• 1 lb (about 450g) Pinkel sausage (can be substituted with Kielbasa or other smoked sausage if Pinkel is unavailable)
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
• 4 cups (about 1 liter) beef or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4-6 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil or lard over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2- Add the chopped kale to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

3- Once simmering, add the caraway seeds, mustard seeds, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings.

4- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the kale stew gently for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the kale is tender and has absorbed the flavors.

5- While the kale is cooking, prepare the Pinkel sausage. If using raw Pinkel sausage, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add the Pinkel sausage and simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, or until cooked through. If using pre-cooked Pinkel sausage, simply slice it into rounds.

6- About 30 minutes before the kale is done, add the quartered potatoes to the pot. Continue cooking until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

7- Once the kale and potatoes are cooked, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

8- Serve the Grünkohl mit Pinkel hot, with slices of Pinkel sausage arranged on top of each portion. Optionally, add a pat of butter on top for extra richness.

Enjoy your hearty and comforting Grünkohl mit Pinkel, a taste of northern German cuisine!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in Grünkohl mit Pinkel:

Kale (per 1 cup, chopped, cooked):

• Calories: 36
• Protein: 2.5g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Vitamin A: 354% DV
• Vitamin C: 89% DV
• Vitamin K: 681% DV
• Calcium: 9% DV
• Iron: 4% DV

benefits:

• High in vitamin A, which is essential for vision health and immune function.
• Rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen production.
• Excellent source of vitamin K, important for blood clotting and bone health.
• Good source of calcium and iron, crucial for bone strength and oxygen transport in the blood.

Pinkel Sausage (per 3.5 oz, cooked):

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Iron: 2% DV

benefits:

• Provides protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
• Contains fat, which provides energy and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
• May contain sodium, which is important for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body.
• Contains iron, necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.

Onions (per 1 medium onion, raw):

• Calories: 44
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Vitamin C: 20% DV
• Vitamin B6: 5% DV
• Folate: 5% DV

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen production.
• Good source of vitamin B6, important for metabolism and nervous system function.
• Contains folate, essential for cell division and the formation of DNA.
• Contains fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Potatoes (per 1 medium potato, raw):

• Calories: 163
• Protein: 3.6g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 4.7g
• Vitamin C: 28% DV
• Vitamin B6: 27% DV
• Potassium: 897mg
• Magnesium: 12% DV

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen production.
• High in vitamin B6, important for metabolism and nervous system function.
• Rich in potassium, crucial for maintaining fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.
• Good source of fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific varieties of ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional values for Pinkel sausage are based on a typical smoked sausage, as specific nutritional information for Pinkel sausage may not be readily available.