Dutch Delights: Rookworst

What:  Rookworst – In Dutch, rook means smoke and worst means sausage.  So, rookworst is a smoked sausage made of ground meat, spices and salt.


Why:  Rookworst is a traditional ingredient in stamppot.


Where:  You can find rookworst in grocery stores, butchers and shops like Hema.


When:  Rookworst is available year round.


Varieties:  Contrary to what the name suggests, the modern rookworst is rarely smoked. To achieve the smoked flavour typical to the product, smoke aromatics are added to the product alongside the spices. The genuine, old-fashioned rookworst is smoked over wood chips: it can be recognised by a tie at the end of the sausage for hanging it.


How Much [Should I Eat]:  As sausages go, rookworst is not too bad.  I personally find that the ones that have been smoked are juicer and have more flavour.


Pas Op! (Watch Out!):  Most of the rookworsts sold now-a-days are cooked in the factory and just need to be warmed up.  However, there are some that contain raw meats and need to be cooked properly.