When winter settles in, Dutch kitchens turn to simple, nourishing meals that warm both body and mind. For generations, stamppot—a hearty mash of potatoes and vegetables—has been a staple during the colder months. It’s the kind of food that brings people together around the table after a long day in the cold.
These winter mashes are not about complexity or perfection. They are about making the most of what’s available, cooking with care, and enjoying honest, comforting food. Served with smoked sausage and eaten slowly, they reflect a very Dutch way of living: practical, grounded, and deeply connected to the season.
This recipe is a simple take on that tradition—easy to make, full of warmth, and perfect for quiet winter evenings.
(Recipe) A simple Dutch Winter Mash
Serves 2
A classic, comforting dish that fits perfectly with cold winter days. Simple ingredients, little effort, and full of warmth.
Ingredients
400 g cauliflower, cut into florets
300 g potatoes, peeled and diced
300–400 g kale, endive, or sauerkraut
½ smoked sausage (or 1 small lean sausage)
3–4 tbsp cottage cheese or a spoon of mustard
Black pepper, to taste
Nutmeg (optional)
How to make it (± 25 minutes)
1. Cook the base Cook or steam the cauliflower and potatoes together until soft.
2. Add the greens
Kale or endive: add raw and mash directly into the potatoes
Sauerkraut: warm briefly and mix through
3. Mash Mash everything into a coarse purée. Keep it rustic, not smooth.
4. Finish Stir in the cottage cheese or mustard. Season with pepper and a pinch of nutmeg if you like.
5. Prepare the sausage Heat the smoked sausage separately by steaming or lightly frying.
6. Serve Slice the sausage and serve on top of the mash.