On a chilly evening, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a hearty dish to wrap you in a comforting embrace. That’s where Dutch Stamppot comes in—a delightful mash of creamy potatoes and vibrant curly kale, topped with smoky sausage that echoes the soul of winter nights. This comforting meal not only warms your belly but is also a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for those busy weekdays or cozy weekends spent at home. Plus, with a vegetarian twist, it offers a great option for everyone at the table. Are you ready to transform basic ingredients into a bowl of happiness? Let’s dive into making this quintessential Dutch favorite! Why is Stamppot the Ultimate Comfort Food? Unmatched Comfort: There’s nothing like a hearty bowl of Stamppot to chase away the winter chill. This dish delivers warmth and satisfaction, perfect for cozy nights at home. Simplicity: The recipe is straightforward, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, making it accessible for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Versatile Twist: Feel free to experiment with different greens or protein options; the possibilities are endless! Whether you go vegetarian or stick to the traditional smoked sausage, you can’t go wrong. Rich in Flavor: The combination of creamy mashed potatoes with the earthy kale and savory sausage creates a taste explosion that’s hard to resist. Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for sharing with family or friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite. For more comforting dishes, check out our hearty winter recipes for inspiration! Stamppot Ingredients For the Potatoes • Potatoes – Use starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet for a creamy texture. • Salt – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the mashed potatoes. For the Kale • Curly Kale – Adds vibrant color and nutrients; you can swap it with spinach or chard if preferred. • Shallots – Provides a subtle sweetness; you can use regular onions in a pinch. • Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the dish’s aromatic flavor; dried can be used if necessary. For the Mash • Butter – Creates a rich, creamy mash; olive oil is a lighter alternative. • Milk – Incorporates creaminess; any type, including non-dairy, will work. • Nutmeg – Optional, but recommended for a warm, nutty finish. For the Topping • Smoked Sausage (Rookworst) – The traditional topping that adds savory depth; Polish kielbasa works well as a substitute. • Pepper – For seasoning and a bit of extra kick to the Stamppot. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Stamppot Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes Begin by peeling and cutting the starchy potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place the potato chunks into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt and a couple of bay leaves for flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium, cooking for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily break apart. Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Garlic While the potatoes are boiling, heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped shallots and minced garlic, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for your Stamppot, making the kitchen smell heavenly as you prepare for the next step. Step 3: Steam the Curly Kale Stir in the chopped curly kale into the skillet with the sautéed shallots and garlic. Add about ¼ cup of water to the pan to help steam the kale. Cover the skillet and let it cook for around 5-7 minutes, or until the kale is tender and vibrant. Keep an eye on it, replenishing water as needed to ensure the kale steams beautifully without burning. Step 4: Mash the Potatoes Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and remove the bay leaves. Return the hot potatoes to the pot, then add in 2 tablespoons of butter, a splash of milk (adjust for creaminess), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Optionally, grate in a dash of nutmeg for warmth. Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until creamy and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps for that perfect Stamppot texture. Step 5: Combine Kale and Potatoes Fold the sautéed kale mixture into the creamy mashed potatoes, mixing thoroughly until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed; this is your chance to ensure the flavors sing harmoniously. The vibrant green kale should be evenly distributed throughout the mash, creating a beautiful and colorful presentation. Step 6: Prepare the Smoked Sausage While the Stamppot is coming together, prepare the smoked sausage (Rookworst). You can either grill it or sauté it in the skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s heated through and has a nice golden-brown color. This savory topping will add a richness that complements the dish perfectly. Step 7: Serve the Stamppot Once everything is ready, ladle the creamy Stamppot into bowls. Top generously with slices of the smoky sausage and a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavors. Garnish with fresh black pepper if desired. Serve immediately and savor the warmth of this hearty comfort food that brings joy to any chilly winter night. What to Serve with Dutch Stamppot? When you’re ready to create a complete and delightful meal, consider these perfect complements that elevate your Stamppot experience. Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is ideal for mopping up the creamy goodness and adds a lovely texture contrast. Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish, adding brightness and crunch. Perfect for a light touch. Pickled Vegetables: The tanginess of pickled cucumbers or beets brings a delightful sharpness that balances the hearty flavors of Stamppot beautifully. Braised Red Cabbage: This slightly sweet and spiced side adds a vibrant color and depth of flavor that pairs harmoniously with the smokiness of the sausage. Apple Sauce: A scoop of homemade apple sauce provides a sweet contrast to the savory Stamppot, bringing a nostalgic touch to each bite. Red Wine: A glass of smooth red wine enhances the warmth of this dish, making for a comforting evening filled with delightful flavors. Cider: An apple or pear cider can offer a refreshing and fruity palate cleanser, balancing the richness of the meal effortlessly. Chocolate Mousse: Finish your meal with a light and airy chocolate mousse; it’s a sweet finale that will leave everyone satisfied and happy. Expert Tips for the Best Stamppot Monitor Kale Texture: Steaming kale too long can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for tender yet slightly crisp leaves to retain freshness. Proper Potato Drainage: After cooking, ensure potatoes are well-drained to prevent your Stamppot from becoming watery. Lightly steam them for a bit before mashing for the perfect consistency. Quality Sausage Matters: Choose a high-quality smoked sausage for a richer flavor. Grilling versus sautéing can also enhance its smoky notes, giving your dish that extra boost. Nutmeg Wisdom: Adding nutmeg is optional but recommended. Just a pinch adds warmth and elevates the flavor profile without overpowering the dish. Mix and Match Greens: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different leafy greens. Spinach, Swiss chard, or even a mix can provide delightful variations to your Stamppot experience. How to Store and Freeze Stamppot Fridge: Store leftover Stamppot in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Stamppot in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Portioning it into smaller servings makes reheating easier. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk for creaminess and to revive the texture. Airtight: Always wrap or seal your Stamppot tightly to keep out air and prevent freezer burn, ensuring the best taste upon reheating. Make Ahead Options These hearty Stamppot meals are a blessing for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prep the mashed potatoes and kale mixture up to 24 hours in advance—simply cook and mash the potatoes, then fold in the sautéed kale, garlic, and shallots. Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the refrigerator. To serve, reheat the Stamppot gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk for creaminess if needed. When ready, cook the smoked sausage separately and top your delicious dish just before serving to keep everything perfectly fresh and flavorful. Enjoy the comforts of home-cooked goodness with minimal effort! Stamppot Variations & Substitutions Feel free to make this delightful dish your own with these easy swaps and variations that will surely excite your taste buds! Dairy-Free: Replace milk and butter with almond or oat milk and a dairy-free margarine for a plant-based option. Leafy Greens: Substitute curly kale with spinach or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile and nutrition boost. Both greens pair beautifully with the creamy potatoes. Hearty Roots: Try adding in carrots or parsnips to the potato mix for a sweeter touch; this adds a subtle depth to your Stamppot. Protein Switch: Use crispy bacon or a savory vegetarian sausage instead of smoked sausage to cater to different dietary needs. Omit the meat entirely for a heartwarming vegetarian meal! Cheesy Twist: Stir in some shredded cheese, like Gouda or cheddar, into the mashing process for a wonderfully cheesy version of this classic. The melty goodness adds an indulgent touch! Spice It Up: For those who enjoy heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. It’s a fun way to surprise your taste buds! Fruit Fusion: Incorporate diced apples or pears into the kale mixture for a sweet contrast that brightens the dish. This lovely combination balances the savory elements wonderfully. Nutmeg Note: While nutmeg is often recommended, you could also experiment with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or allspice for a unique flavor twist that gives character to your Stamppot. Embrace these variations as you create a personal connection to this traditional dish. For more creative ways to spice up your staple meals, check out our collection of hearty winter recipes for more inspiration and delicious ideas! Stamppot Recipe FAQs How do I select the best potatoes for my Stamppot? Absolutely! For the creamiest texture, use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet. These varieties break down easily during mashing, contributing to the smooth, comforting consistency that makes Stamppot so delightful. What’s the best way to store leftover Stamppot? To keep your Stamppot fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to let it cool to room temperature before sealing to avoid moisture buildup, which can affect texture. Can I freeze Stamppot for later use? Very! You can freeze Stamppot in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Portioning it into smaller amounts simplifies reheating. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn! What should I do if my mashed potatoes are too watery? If your Stamppot turns out watery, it might be due to not draining the potatoes well. In the future, after draining, keep them on the stove for a minute to let any remaining moisture evaporate. When mashing, you can also add a bit more butter and milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Is Stamppot suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions? Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the smoked sausage and adding other protein sources, like beans or lentils. Just ensure that any added ingredients fit within the dietary preferences or restrictions of your guests. How do I reheat frozen Stamppot without losing its texture? To reheat frozen Stamppot, first, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to heat, warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring gently. Add a splash of milk to help restore creaminess and revive the original texture, making each bite as comforting as the first! Comforting Stamppot: Your Perfect Winter Meal Adventure Stamppot is a hearty Dutch dish of creamy potatoes and kale topped with smoky sausage, perfect for winter evenings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: DutchCalories: 500 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Potatoes4 large Potatoes Use starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet for a creamy texture.1 tbsp Salt Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the mashed potatoes.For the Kale1 bunch Curly Kale Adds vibrant color and nutrients; you can swap it with spinach or chard if preferred.2 medium Shallots Provides a subtle sweetness; you can use regular onions in a pinch.2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic enhances the dish’s aromatic flavor; dried can be used if necessary.For the Mash2 tbsp Butter Creates a rich, creamy mash; olive oil is a lighter alternative.1/2 cup Milk Incorporates creaminess; any type, including non-dairy, will work.1/4 tsp Nutmeg Optional, but recommended for a warm, nutty finish.For the Topping2 links Smoked Sausage (Rookworst) The traditional topping that adds savory depth; Polish kielbasa works well as a substitute.1 tsp Pepper For seasoning and a bit of extra kick to the Stamppot. Equipment Large potSkilletPotato Masher Method Step-by-Step Instructions for StamppotBegin by peeling and cutting the starchy potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place the potato chunks into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt and a couple of bay leaves for flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium, cooking for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily break apart.While the potatoes are boiling, heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped shallots and minced garlic, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant.Stir in the chopped curly kale into the skillet with the sautéed shallots and garlic. Add about ¼ cup of water to help steam the kale. Cover the skillet and let it cook for around 5-7 minutes, or until the kale is tender and vibrant.Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and remove the bay leaves. Return the hot potatoes to the pot, then add in 2 tablespoons of butter, a splash of milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Optionally, grate in a dash of nutmeg for warmth. Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until creamy and smooth.Fold the sautéed kale mixture into the creamy mashed potatoes, mixing until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.While the Stamppot is coming together, prepare the smoked sausage (Rookworst). You can either grill it or sauté it in the skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.Once everything is ready, ladle the creamy Stamppot into bowls. Top generously with slices of the smoky sausage and a drizzle of olive oil. Garnish with fresh black pepper if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftover Stamppot in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of milk. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
