Boerenkoolsoep with Smoked Sausage (Dutch Kale Soup)
Why this recipe works
- Hearty without heaviness: Potatoes soften into the broth, giving the soup a satisfying body while keeping the finish clean and savoury.
- Gentle depth: Leek, celery and bay leaves build a mellow base that supports the smoky sausage without overpowering the kale.
- Simple one-pot method: The vegetables, potatoes, kale and sausage are cooked in the same pot, keeping the workflow easy and the flavours concentrated.
Get the most out of this recipe
Authenticity notes
- Dutch home-style character: The combination of kale, potatoes and smoked sausage gives this soup the same practical, hearty character associated with Dutch cold-weather cooking.
- Stock choice: Vegetable stock keeps the base lighter, while chicken stock gives a more savoury, meat-led flavour if preferred.
Ingredient notes
- Clean the leek thoroughly: Leeks often hold grit between their layers, so rinse the sliced pieces well before adding them to the pot.
- Use a smoky sausage: A fully cooked smoked sausage works best here, as it adds savoury depth while only needing gentle warming in the soup.
Common mistakes
- Boiling the sausage: Keep the soup at a low simmer once the sausage is added; vigorous boiling can make the casing split and the texture less juicy.
- Adding kale too late: Give the kale enough time to soften properly so it becomes tender rather than tough or fibrous.
Make-ahead tips
- Good for planned leftovers: The soup keeps well in the fridge for several days and can also be frozen in portions for easy reheating.
- Reheat gently: Warm the soup in a saucepan until piping hot, adding a splash of water if the potatoes have thickened the broth.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over a medium heat. Slice the leek and celery, then add to the pot with a pinch of the salt and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Peel the potatoes and cut into bite-sized chunks, then stir them into the pot. Pour in the vegetable stock, add the bay leaves, remaining salt and the black pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are nearly tender. Add the kale and simmer for a further 10 to 12 minutes until the kale is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked.
- Nestle the smoked sausage into the soup and warm gently for 5 to 7 minutes, keeping the soup at a low simmer so it does not split. Remove the bay leaves, slice the sausage thickly, then ladle the soup into bowls and top with the sausage.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Rinse the leek well after slicing, as grit often hides between the layers.
- Keep the soup at a gentle simmer when warming the smoked sausage so it stays juicy and does not burst.
- If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the smoked sausage is heated until piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace unsalted butter with olive oil for a lighter finish.
- Replace vegetable stock with chicken stock for a richer, meatier base.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months; defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a saucepan until piping hot, adding a splash of water if it has thickened.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 55min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Dutch
-
Allergens:
Milk
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