Grønkålssuppe

Grønkålssuppe Recipe from Denmark - Delicious Kale Soup with Pork and Vegetables

Region / culture: Denmark | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Grønkålssuppe, also known as Danish Kale Soup, is a traditional Danish dish that is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. This soup is perfect for cold winter days and is a staple in Danish cuisine.

History

Grønkålssuppe has been a popular dish in Denmark for centuries, especially during the winter months when kale is in season. It is a simple and rustic dish that has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

1 curly kale
1.5 kg pork meat
2.5 liters water
6 – 8 potatoes
6 – 8 carrots
1.5 cups celery root, peeled and chopped
3 leeks
salt
12 whole peppercorns

Accompaniment

How to prepare

Place the meat in a large pot and cover it with water. Slowly bring it to a boil.
Skim off any impurities from the surface of the soup.
Peel the potatoes, carrots, and celery root.
Clean and slice the leek.
Add the vegetables to the soup, season with salt and whole peppercorns, and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Remove the vegetables from the soup and cut them into small dice. Store them for later use.
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 1.5 hours.
Thoroughly clean the kale and let the water run off. Then, finely chop it.
Remove the meat from the soup and add the kale and diced vegetables. Bring it to a boil.
Let it boil for 5 minutes.
Serve the soup steaming hot with sliced meat, a good mustard, and Danish rye bread.

Variations

Add smoked sausage or bacon for extra flavor.
Use different root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips.
Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to skim off any impurities from the surface of the soup to ensure a clear and clean broth.

- Cutting the vegetables into small dice will help them cook evenly and add texture to the soup.

- Letting the soup simmer for an extended period of time will allow the flavors to develop and meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Grønkålssuppe is traditionally served with sliced meat, mustard, and Danish rye bread. It can also be enjoyed with a side of pickled vegetables or a dollop of sour cream.

Cooking Techniques

Slowly bring the meat to a boil to ensure a clear broth.

- Simmer the soup for an extended period of time to develop flavors.

- Finely chop the kale to ensure it cooks evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

- Substitute leeks with onions or shallots.

- Use any type of bread for accompaniment if Danish rye bread is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Grønkålssuppe can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Grønkålssuppe in a rustic bowl with a slice of rye bread on the side. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Grønkålssuppe pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Grønkålssuppe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grønkålssuppe contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Grønkålssuppe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Grønkålssuppe contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Grønkålssuppe contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Grønkålssuppe is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and calcium.

Alergens

Grønkålssuppe may contain gluten from the rye bread accompaniment. It is important to check for any other allergens based on individual ingredients used.

Summary

Grønkålssuppe is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Grønkålssuppe is a delicious and nutritious Danish Kale Soup that is perfect for warming up on cold winter days. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with sliced meat, mustard, and Danish rye bread for a traditional Danish meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a chilly autumn day, the leaves had just started to turn their brilliant shades of red and gold, and there was a distinct chill in the air that signaled the impending arrival of winter. I had been rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for something new and exciting to try, when I stumbled upon a faded and tattered index card with the words "Grønkålssuppe" scrawled across the top.

I couldn't quite recall where I had gotten this recipe from, but I knew that it must have been from one of my many travels throughout Scandinavia. The ingredients listed were simple enough - kale, potatoes, onions, and cream - but there was something about the combination that intrigued me. I could almost taste the rich, hearty broth and the tender pieces of kale melting in my mouth.

With a sense of eager anticipation, I set out to make the Grønkålssuppe that very evening. I gathered all the necessary ingredients, chopping the onions and potatoes with care, and stripping the kale from its tough stems. As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This was a recipe that spoke to me on a deep and personal level, a dish that transcended mere sustenance and became a symbol of my culinary journey.

As I sat down to enjoy my first bowl of Grønkålssuppe, I was transported back to the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen, the bustling markets of Stockholm, and the cozy cafes of Oslo. Each spoonful was a testament to the rich tapestry of flavors and influences that I had encountered throughout my years of cooking and traveling. It was a dish that spoke of tradition and innovation, of comfort and adventure.

In the days and weeks that followed, I found myself making Grønkålssuppe again and again, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes and preferences. Sometimes I would add a pinch of nutmeg for a hint of warmth, or a splash of lemon juice for a touch of brightness. Each variation was a testament to my creativity and ingenuity, a reflection of the unique blend of flavors and textures that defined my culinary style.

Over time, Grønkålssuppe became a staple in my repertoire, a dish that I would proudly serve to family and friends on special occasions and ordinary weeknights alike. It was a recipe that never failed to impress, eliciting oohs and aahs from those lucky enough to sample its delights. And each time I made it, I would remember that chilly autumn day when I had first discovered the faded index card tucked away in my recipe box, a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed.

As I sit here now, penning this story for future generations to read, I can't help but feel a swell of gratitude and nostalgia for all the recipes that have shaped my culinary journey. From the simplest of soups to the most elaborate of desserts, each dish tells a story, a tale of flavors and memories that linger long after the last crumb has been devoured. And as I pass on the recipe for Grønkålssuppe to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, I know that it will become a part of their own culinary legacy, a link in the chain that connects us all through the shared love of food and family.

So here it is, my beloved Grønkålssuppe recipe, passed down through the generations and cherished by all who taste its delicious warmth and comfort. May it bring you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me, and may it inspire you to continue exploring the wondrous world of cooking and sharing with those you hold dear. Bon appétit!