Traditional Dutch Stamppot Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, look no further than traditional Dutch stamppot. This classic dish consists of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and often meat, and it’s a favorite in Dutch households. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a delicious stamppot that will make a hearty meal for your family and friends.

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The History Of Stamppot

Stamppot has been a popular dish in the Netherlands since the 16th century. The word “stamppot” comes from the Dutch word “stampen,” which means to stamp or mash. The dish was initially made by farmers who would mix leftover vegetables and potatoes together to create a hearty and nutritious meal. The farmers would use whatever vegetables were in season, such as kale, endive, spinach, or sauerkraut.

Stamppot was also a popular dish among sailors and fishermen, who would take the meal with them on long journeys at sea. The dish was easy to make and could be stored for long periods of time without spoiling.

Over time, stamppot became a popular dish throughout the Netherlands, and it evolved into the dish we know today. Each region in the Netherlands has its own unique variation of stamppot, with different vegetables and meats used depending on the area.

Stamppot Today

Today, stamppot is still a beloved dish in Dutch cuisine and is often served during the winter months. It is a warm and comforting meal that is perfect for cold and dark evenings. Stamppot is also a popular dish during special occasions, such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Many Dutch families have their own unique recipe for stamppot, passed down through generations.

During our visit to Amsterdam, we had the chance to taste some authentic stamppot and we can vouch for the fact that it is both delicious and filling. Here’s our recipe for stamppot with some ideas for variations so you can experience this taste of travel in your own home.

Tips For Making The Best Stamppot

• Make sure you don’t add too much milk or cream. You want the potatoes stiff enough to hold up to the vegetables and meat.
• If you prefer, you can leave the sausage or bacon whole and place on top of the potato-vegetable mixture.
• For an unusual twist, use sweet potatoes, a blend of potato and cauliflower, or a blend of potato and parsnips.
• Save the drippings from the pan in which you cook the sausage or bacon, add some flour to make a roux, then add milk or broth and stir to make a nice gravy.
• You can substitute braised short ribs, sliced beef roast, meatball, or other protein of your choice for the sausage or bacon.
• Serve with a nice green salad and a soft roll to make your stamppot meal complete.

Versions Of Stamppot

 There are just about as many versions of stamppot as there are people who make the dish. It’s so flexible and adaptable, that new variations are being made even today. Here are some of the most popular versions of stamppot in the Netherlands. Try one of these or make up your own.

Boerenkool Stamppot (Kale Stamppot):

Kale stamppot is one of the most popular versions of stamppot. It is made from mashed potatoes mixed with kale, a leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Boerenkool stamppot is often served with smoked sausage or bacon. Boerenkool stamppot is a hearty and satisfying meal even better on cold winter days.

Hutspot Stamppot (Carrot and Onion Stamppot):

Hutspot stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with carrots and onions. This version of stamppot is sweet and savory and is often served with a meatball or sausage. You can leave off the meat or substitute for a meat alternative and enjoy a really delicious vegetarian meal.

Andijvie Stamppot (Endive Stamppot):

Andijvie stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with endive. This version of stamppot is often served with bacon, smoked sausage, or a meatball and a side of gravy. The bitterness of the endive adds a depth of flavor balanced out by the sweetness of the potatoes, and the combination of textures makes it a favorite among Dutch people.

Zuurkool Stamppot (Sauerkraut Stamppot):

Zuurkool stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with sauerkraut. This version is often served with smoked sausage or bacon. The sourness of the sauerkraut adds a tangy flavor to the dish, and it is a great way to incorporate fermented foods into your diet.

Spinazie Stamppot (Spinach Stamppot):

Spinazie stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with spinach. This version of stamppot is healthy and delicious and is often served with a fried egg, meatball, or sausage. The spinach adds a fresh taste and is a great way to get your daily dose of greens.

Rookworst Stamppot (Smoked Sausage Stamppot):

This version of stamppot is a favorite among meat lovers. Rookworst stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with smoked sausage and is often served with mustard. The smoked sausage adds a nice savory counterpoint to the potatoes.

Bieten Stamppot (Beetroot Stamppot):

Beetroot stamppot is a vibrant and colorful version of stamppot. It is made from mashed potatoes mixed with beets and is often served with bacon or sausage. The beets give the dish a slightly sweet and earthy taste that is both unique and delicious.

Wortel Stamppot (Carrot Stamppot):

Wortel stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with carrots. This version of stamppot is slightly sweet and is often served with meatballs or sausage for meat eaters. It is a perfect meal for vegetarians who want a hearty and nutritious meal.

Prei Stamppot (Leek Stamppot):

Prei stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with leeks. This version of stamppot is perfect for onion lovers who want to keep things mild. It is often served with a meatball or sausage. This version has a flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.

Hete Bliksem (Hot Lightning Stamppot):

Hete bliksem is a sweet and savory version of stamppot that is made from mashed potatoes mixed with apples and bacon. The combination of sweet apples and savory bacon gives the dish a unique and irresistible taste that is sure to please.

Top Amsterdam Restaurants Serving Stamppot

If you’re visiting Amsterdam, you’ll want to try some of the famous Dutch dishes that have been local favorites for centuries. And it’s likely that stamppot is on the top of your list. Fortunately, there are plenty of top Amsterdam restaurants serving excellent versions of it, so try one or try them all. Here are a few of our favorites from the best restaurants in Amsterdam for stamppot.

Moeders

Moeders is a popular restaurant in Amsterdam that is known for its traditional Dutch cuisine. The restaurant is decorated with pictures of mothers from all over the world, giving it a warm and homely feel. Moeders serves a delicious Stamppot dish that is made with kale and is served with smoked sausage. The Stamppot dish at Moeders is a great choice for anyone visiting Amsterdam.

De Blauwe Hollander

For an authentic Dutch dining experience and a taste of delicious stamppot in the heart of Amsterdam’s lively Jordaan neighborhood, De Blauwe Hollander is definitely worth a visit. It has been a popular spot for locals and tourists alike for over 30 years. They serve a variety of stamppot options, including the classic boerenkool stamppot, hutspot, and zuurkool stamppot. We gave several stamppot versions a try and loved the fresh and high-quality ingredients. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options to cater to all dietary needs. In addition to stamppot, De Blauwe Hollander serves a range of other classic Dutch dishes such as bitterballen. The restaurant’s decor is also worth mentioning. The walls are adorned with colorful murals depicting scenes of Dutch life, adding to the cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Stamppotje

Stamppotje is the winter version of the spots where you can buy fantastic ice cream in the summer (Ijscuypje’s). Stamppots here are seriously delicious and made for take-away so you can eat them along with a scenic view. They’ve got you covered if you want something traditional with ingredients such as kale, sauerkraut, or endive.  And if you’re looking for a more modern approach they also offer ingredients like wild spinach, cheese, pumpkin, and more.

Bistro Bij Ons

Bistro Bij Ons is a cozy restaurant in Amsterdam that serves traditional Dutch cuisine. Their Stamppot dish is made with sauerkraut and is served with smoked sausage or meatball and gravy. For a little more they’ll make it mom’s stewed beef. If you want to try different types, check out the Chef’s Special for dinner with three different types of stamppot in mini-pans served with bacon, sausage, mom’s stewed beef, and gravy.  Bistro Bij Ons is a great place to try authentic Stamppot in a cozy atmosphere.

Enjoy Delicious Dutch Cuisine

If you’re looking to try traditional Dutch cuisine, you’ll get to the heart of it with stamppot. The dish has deep cultural roots and remains an important part of Dutch cuisine. Even so, it keeps evolving. With so many variations to choose from, there is a stamppot for every taste preference.  Even when you’re not traveling, it’s easy to make a classic taste of travel right at home in your own kitchen.

We hope you like our simple stamppot recipe. And if you’re hungry for more delicious Dutch dishes check out our recipes for pannenkoeken, bitterballen, and pofferjes, too!