Oh, kale! Not just any humble green, but a magnificent, leafy powerhouse you can actually forage for yourself on charming Dutch farms. Forget the supermarket aisles, because the real fun begins when you swap your shopping cart for a sturdy basket and head out to the fields!

Imagine this: The crisp Dutch air, the gentle rustle of leaves, and rows upon rows of vibrant, crinkly kale just waiting to be chosen. This isn’t just grocery shopping; it’s an adventure! Whether you’re flying solo, making it a date with friends, or turning it into a wholesome family outing, the sheer delight of selecting your own bounty is unbeatable. Kids especially love the thrill of finding the biggest, most majestic kale leaves, feeling the sturdy stalks, and snapping them off with a satisfying thwack. It’s a wonderfully grounding experience, connecting you directly to your food and the land – plus, it makes for some pretty scenic Instagram shots!

Once your basket is brimming with your hand-picked treasures, the fun continues back home. Fresh-from-the-farm kale is a culinary dream, packed with flavour and nutrients. Here’s how to make the most of your leafy haul:

Bringing the Green Goodness Home!

Cooking Recipes:

  1. Dutch Classic: Boerenkool Stamppot (Kale and Potato Mash) This is the quintessential Dutch comfort food, especially perfect after a chilly day of picking!

    • Ingredients:
      • 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cubed
      • 500g fresh kale, tough stems removed, finely chopped
      • 100-150ml milk (or plant-based milk)
      • 50g butter (or vegan butter)
      • Salt and pepper to taste
      • Optional: Rookworst (smoked sausage) or vegetarian sausages, crispy fried bacon bits or smoked tofu for serving.
    • Instructions:
      1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until very tender (about 15-20 minutes).
      2. Meanwhile, steam or boil the chopped kale until tender but still vibrant (about 5-7 minutes).
      3. Drain the potatoes well. Return them to the pot and mash them with the milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
      4. Stir in the cooked kale until evenly distributed.
      5. Serve hot with slices of rookworst (or your preferred protein) on top. A dollop of mustard on the side is highly recommended!

  2. Crunchy & Craveable: Baked Kale Chips Forget potato chips! These crispy green delights are addictive, healthy, and incredibly easy to make.

    • Ingredients:
      • 1 large bunch of kale (about 150-200g), tough stems removed, torn into chip-sized pieces
      • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
      • ¼ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
      • Optional: A sprinkle of garlic powder, nutritional yeast, or smoked paprika for extra flavour.
    • Instructions:
      1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
      2. Wash and thoroughly dry the kale leaves. This is crucial for crispiness! Use a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean tea towel.
      3. In a large bowl, drizzle the kale pieces with olive oil and massage them gently with your hands until every piece is lightly coated.
      4. Spread the kale in a single layer on a baking sheet (you might need two sheets to avoid overcrowding, which prevents crisping).
      5. Sprinkle with sea salt and any other desired seasonings.
      6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. They are done when they are crispy but still green.
      7. Let cool slightly before devouring. They get even crispier as they cool!

Cocktail Recipe: The “Green Garden” Kale Fizz

Who knew kale could party? This refreshing, vibrant cocktail is surprisingly delicious and a fantastic way to sneak in some goodness.

  • Ingredients:
    • 60 ml (2 oz) fresh kale juice (blend kale with a splash of water and strain, or use a juicer)
    • 30 ml (1 oz) gin or vodka
    • 15 ml (½ oz) fresh lemon juice
    • 10 ml (⅓ oz) simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled)
    • Splash of sparkling water or tonic water
    • Ice
    • Garnish: Lemon slice or a small kale leaf
  • Instructions:
    1. Combine the kale juice, gin/vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
    2. Shake well until thoroughly chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
    3. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
    4. Top with a splash of sparkling water or tonic water.
    5. Garnish with a lemon slice or a tiny, delicate kale leaf.
    6. Cheers to your healthy-ish happy hour!

So, next time you’re in the Netherlands, don’t just admire the windmills; get your hands a little dirty, pick some beautiful kale, and bring that farm-fresh joy right into your kitchen (and your cocktail glass!).