Kale Stew with Smoked Meat and Sausages

The odd-sounding ingredient Pinkelwurst is a specialty from the Hanseatic Cities in Germany's North.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 - 3 lbs of kale, washed, stems and ribs removed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium yellow onions, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons rolled oats
1 lb smoked pork loin
1 Pinkelwurst or other smoked boiling sausage, such as kielbasa
2 smoked boiling sausages
Salt and freshly milled black pepper
Generous pinch of ground nutmeg

Preparation:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Plunge the kale into the water and blanch for 1 to 2 minutes. Drain the kale well in a colander and chop it coarsely.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and add the onions. Sauté until translucent. Add the kale and 2 cups water. Stir in the oats and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add 1 cup water in ¼-cup increments, if necessary. The stew should be very moist but not soupy.

Add the pork loin and the Pinkelwurst, and cook over low heat for 30 minutes. Add the smoked sausages and up to 1/2 cup water, if necessary. Cook for 30 minutes. The smoked sausages should only be added for the last 30 minutes of the cooking time, otherwise they will burst.

Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Serve with boiled or caramelized potatoes.