Himmel und Erde
Himmel und Erde, meaning 'Heaven and Earth,' is a traditional Rhineland dish that beautifully balances the sweetness of apples (heaven) with the earthiness of potatoes (earth). It's typically served with savory blood sausage and caramelized onions, creating a delightful interplay of sweet, savory, and rich flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Potatoes(Waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or Desiree work well.)
- 500 g Apples(Tart and firm varieties such as Boskoop, Elstar, or Granny Smith are recommended.)
- 4 pieces Blood sausage (Blutwurst)(Approximately 100-150g per piece.)
- 2 medium Onions(Yellow or white onions.)
- 100 g Bacon(Smoked streaky bacon, diced.)
- 2 tbsp Butter(For mashing and frying.)
- 50-100 ml Milk or Cream(Optional, for a creamier mash.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 pinch Nutmeg(Freshly grated if possible.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks. Place them in a pot with just enough lightly salted water to cover. Bring to a boil and simmer until almost cooked.
- 2
Meanwhile, peel, core, and roughly chop the apples. Pour off about two-thirds of the water from the potatoes, then add the chopped apples to the pot. Simmer gently until the apples have collapsed and the potatoes are tender and beginning to break down.
- 3
Mash the potatoes and apples together until mostly smooth, but with a few small chunks remaining for texture. Stir in milk or cream (if using) until the desired consistency is reached. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Keep warm.
- 4
While the potato and apple mash is cooking, chop the onions and dice the bacon. In a separate pan, fry the diced bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Add the chopped onions to the bacon fat and caramelize them over medium-low heat until golden brown and sweet.
- 5
Gently fry the blood sausage in a separate pan until heated through and slightly browned on both sides. Be careful not to overcook, as it can break apart.
- 6
To serve, spoon the warm Himmel und Erde mash onto plates. Top with the caramelized onions and the fried blood sausage.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother mash, you can use a potato ricer or food mill.
- ✓Ensure the blood sausage is cooked gently to avoid it breaking apart.
- ✓If blood sausage is unavailable or not preferred, pan-fried liver sausage (Leberwurst) or pan-fried pork chops can be substituted, though this will alter the traditional flavor.
- ✓A dollop of sour cream or unsweetened applesauce can be served alongside.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a lighter version, use less bacon fat for caramelizing the onions.
- Some recipes include a touch of apple cider vinegar in the mash for added brightness.