Stoemp de Bruxelles
A hearty and comforting mashed potato dish from Brussels, often enriched with various vegetables and served as a side or a light main course. This version incorporates Brussels sprouts for a distinct regional flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes(starchy variety, peeled and quartered)
- 500 g Brussels sprouts(trimmed and halved)
- 50 g Butter
- 100 ml Milk(warmed)
- 0.5 tsp Nutmeg(freshly grated)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
While the potatoes are cooking, blanch the Brussels sprouts in boiling salted water for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot, dry pot. Mash them well.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the pot is dry helps prevent watery mash. - 4
Add the butter, warmed milk, and nutmeg to the mashed potatoes. Stir until smooth and creamy.
💡 Tip: Warming the milk helps it incorporate better. - 5
Gently fold in the blanched Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Avoid over-mixing after adding sprouts to maintain some texture. - 6
Serve hot, perhaps with a side of smoked sausage or grilled pork.
💡 Tip: Stoemp is traditionally served with 'worst' (sausage).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer stoemp, you can use a mix of butter and bacon fat.
- ✓Experiment with other vegetables like carrots, leeks, or cauliflower.
- ✓Ensure potatoes are well-drained to avoid a watery consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped fried onions for extra flavor.
- Incorporate a dollop of crème fraîche for added richness.