Stamppot

Stamppot, meaning mashed pot, is a traditional dish made from mashed potatoes and one or several selected vegetables such as kale, spinach, endive, turnip, or sauerkraut. If the potatoes are mashed together with onions and carrots, the dish is then called hutspot. In addition to stamppot, bacon can be used as an accompaniment, but it is usually served with a smoked sausage or cooked meat on the side. The most popular variety of stamppot is known as stamppot boerenkool, consisting of potatoes mashed with kale. It is a dish that is commonly served in restaurants and on street fairs, providing a bit of comfort in those cold, foggy, and grey winter days. The kale variety is ideal for winter time, as the kale leaves are best when frosted, and the cold tenderizes the leaves and improves the flavor. However, the dish can also be made at home. The vegetables are cut and boiled in a pot, and when they are cooked, the water is drained and the vegetables are mashed together with butter, salt, pepper, and parsley in order to accentuate the flavors.