NATIONAL DISH OF NETHERLANDS - Stamppot
OK so there is SO much to say in this post, I'll try to make it concise. Firstly, I hadn't seen some of my uni kids in a while, so to make it up to them I invited them over for dinner and drinks. How civilised you say, well after a few alcoholic bevvies my kitchen was a scene of anything but. Secondly, I haven't cooked anything in a while so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and make multiple dishes for the uninitiated diners.
Unfortunately not many could come, but The Dancing Abraders (Sarah & Sally) ventured along to experience The GGJ at first hand. All my uni kids are a great bunch and some of my fondest memories are "socialising" with most of our large Psychology/Psychophysiology class. Sarah and Sally were some of the most crazy, fun kids in PsychPhys and I always LOVE catching up with them. I'll share some stories on the next installment of The GGJ.
So off to Netherlands we go, and this is another country to which I have journeyed to. We travelled to the Netherlands on the first day on our tour, and let me say that there is no city that can bond 50 strangers like Amsterdam can! Amsterdam gets painted with the alternative, hedonistic, drug-fueled and sexually perverse brush quite a bit. And although those elements make it a fabulously lively city, it can offer you so much more.
Amsterdam contains beautifully historical architecture that is best viewed by cruising the canals of the city. Just make sure you don't drink your body weight in alcohol, for on a boat that has 1 toilet and 50 people, peeing whenever you'd like is not an option. Not true for guys on dry land though, with the Dutch having constructed convenient Pissoirs (street urinals).
Culturally, Amsterdam is a conglomerate of contrasting experiences. From the sombre Anne Frank House and artistic masterpiece laden Rijksmuseum to the risque Red-Light District and indulgent coffee shops, Amsterdam has it all. And she certainly doesn't judge for whatever you decide to participate in.
This combination of various elements is reflective in their national dish of Stamppot. A traditional dish, it is made up of combining mashed potato with bacon and several vegetables (such as leafy greens and onion). Served on top is a smoked sausage or Rookworst. Together they provide a filling meal that is relatively inexpensive and readily available across the Netherlands.
Enjoy, or as they say in The Netherlands, Eet Smakelijk!
For a traditional Dutch experience: http://forum.doityourself.com/family-favorite-recipes/63166-stampot-traditional-dutch-meal.html
Difficulty: 4
Appearance: 3
Taste: 4
TOTAL: 11
This was a pretty easy, hassle free dish to make. That is unless you have the effervescent Dancing Abraders in your kitchen! Cook (or steam) and mix is pretty much the story here.
The Stamppot had some good colour to it from the white of the mashed potato to the green of the endive. The mixed vegetables showcase an unusual combination of textures, and the Rookworst provides a gallant, meaty centrepiece.
As I said before, the endive-mash potato mixture certainly did provide a combination of textures and flavours. It was noice, it was different, it was unewsual! I must say, what a stroke of genius for adding the bacon. Bacon fat always takes flavours to a new level. I had never experienced Rookworst before, but I must say that out of all the worsts, it definitely up there with the best!
(For those playing at home, Netherlands have been competing since the inception of Eurovision in 1956, and have only missed it four times since. The Netherlands are in the Top 10 successful Eurovision countries with 4 wins, but they were all before 1976. Since then they have had mixed results, and have not made the final since 2004. With that I feel good things coming from the Dutch this year!)
