Imagine a dish that captures the soul of Dutch comfort food, warming you from the inside out with every delicious bite. Boerenkool, or traditional Dutch kale hash, is not just a side dish – it's a culinary journey through the Netherlands' rich cooking heritage. This simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Dutch
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the kale and remove any tough stems, then finely chop the leaves into small, uniform pieces.
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small, consistent cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size to ensure even cooking.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves, preparing them for sautéing.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until the oil shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Introduce the diced potatoes to the skillet, stirring to coat with oil and onion mixture, and cook for 5-6 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add chopped kale to the skillet, stirring to combine with potatoes and onions, and cook for 8-10 minutes until kale is tender and slightly wilted.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Continue cooking until potatoes are fully tender and kale is soft but still maintains some texture, approximately 5-7 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving hot as a traditional Dutch side dish.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp kale for the best texture and flavor. Remove the tough stems completely to ensure a tender result.
- Cut your potatoes into uniform cubes to guarantee even cooking. Uneven sizes can lead to some pieces being undercooked or overcooked.
- Don't rush the sautéing process. Letting the onions and garlic develop a golden color builds deep, rich flavor foundations.
- For an authentic Dutch touch, consider adding smoked sausage (rookworst) to the hash for extra protein and traditional flavor.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible – it helps create a beautiful, slightly crispy bottom layer that adds wonderful texture to the dish.
- Season generously and taste as you go. The right balance of salt and pepper can elevate this simple dish from good to extraordinary.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the potatoes to finish steaming perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 159kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
