Dutch Delight: Boerenkool
Periodically, EM reviews typical Dutch food products together with EUR international students. This edition, Razvan Isac from Romania tastes and reviews Boerenkool (kale/borecole). He is a third year IBA student at Rotterdam School of Management.The Review
Razvan’s first reaction upon seeing the plate of Boerenkool is rather promising: “That looks really tasty.” The expectations are raised even more when Razvan admits that the color composition and the aroma of the dish further advance his appetite.
The first bite leaves no doubt about it: “It’s pretty good!” The combination of the Boerenkool with the creamy potato and especially the meat on top are much appreciated by Razvan. Having a Romanian background Razvan is used to his meals containing a lot of meat, as this happens to be a typical feature of the Romanian cuisine. In fact, he admits to rarely eat meals that lack meat.
Only once before prior to this experience, Razvan has tried Boerenkool along with some of his Dutch friends who introduced him to the dish. The dish he did eat back then contained a higher percentage of potatoes over the borecole, which made Razvan appreciate that dish even more than the present one.
However, the present one proves to be “Not bad at all”, according to Razvan’s judgment. He grants it 4 out of 5 stars, especially praising the nutritious value and perceived healthiness of the dish. Razvan: “Students should be able to make this dish fast, easily and really cheap. Somehow it is a dish for everyone.”
Score according to Razvan: 4
1= I flushed it down the toilet
2= If you bought it anyway, eat it, why not?
3= Quite nice actually
4= Really good food
5= Best food I’ve ever tasted
The Product
Boerenkool is a typical winter dish commonly eaten in several parts of Scandinavia, The North of Germany, and of course The Netherlands. Each region added a specific twist. The Dutch version clearly has been influenced by traditional farmer meals, seeing that Boerenkool seems to be considered a rather nutritious meal, yet not a very sophisticated one. It is composed of mashed potatoes, borecole – and in many cases topped by a smoked sausage.
