Rustic Belgian Carrot and Potato Mash
Rustic Belgian Carrot and Potato Mash, also known as Stoemp Aux Carottes, is a traditional Belgian comfort food that beautifully combines tender potatoes and sweet, earthy carrots into a rich, hearty side dish. This mash is often enjoyed alongside robust dishes such as blood sausage or bacon strips, but it pairs exceptionally well with sautéed chicken for a delightful meal. The secret to this dish lies in achieving a delightful texture – it should be creamy yet substantial, with chunks of veggies that add character to every bite. This recipe elevates the humble mash, making it both a filling side dish and a cozy reminder of Belgium's culinary heritage.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
500 g (peeled and diced into small chunks)
carrots
300 g (peeled and sliced)
bacon
100 g (cut into bits)
butter
50 g (diced)
heavy cream
100 ml (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated (optional))
Instructions
1
In a small skillet, heat over high heat and add the chopped bacon. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the bacon is golden and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside, allowing the flavors to develop.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots, ensuring they are completely submerged in the water.
3
Cook the vegetables for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. You can even cook them slightly longer for a softer texture that is easier to mash.
4
Once cooked, drain the vegetables and transfer them to a large mixing bowl or salad bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to manually mash the potatoes and carrots together, creating a chunky consistency that retains some texture.
5
While mashing, add the crispy bacon bits and let the diced butter sit on top of the warm vegetables until it melts, imparting a rich flavor.
6
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the nutmeg, stirring gently until combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper, ensuring the flavors are balanced.
7
Toss everything together well, making sure the vegetables are well-coated with the creamy mixture. Serve warm as a delightful side dish.
Nutrition Information
11.25
Fat
20
Carbs
5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stoemp Aux Carottes?
Stoemp Aux Carottes is a traditional Belgian comfort food that combines mashed potatoes and earthy carrots into a rich, hearty side dish.
What are the main ingredients in this Belgian mash?
The main ingredients include 500g of potatoes, 300g of carrots, 100g of bacon bits, butter, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
How long does it take to boil the vegetables?
The diced potatoes and sliced carrots should be cooked in boiling water for about 20 to 25 minutes until they are tender.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative to make this dish suitable for vegetarians.
What is the secret to a perfect Stoemp texture?
The secret is achieving a texture that is creamy yet substantial, with chunks of vegetables that add character rather than being perfectly smooth.
How should the bacon be prepared?
Sauté the bacon bits in a small skillet over high heat for about 5 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
What dishes pair well with Rustic Belgian Carrot and Potato Mash?
It pairs exceptionally well with sautéed chicken, blood sausage, or additional bacon strips.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
Do I need a food processor to mash the vegetables?
No, it is recommended to use a fork or a manual potato masher to maintain a chunky, rustic consistency.
How much butter is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 50 grams of diced butter.
Is nutmeg necessary for this dish?
Nutmeg is listed as an optional ingredient, but it is highly recommended for adding a traditional flavor profile.
How much heavy cream should I add?
You should add 100 ml of heavy cream to achieve the desired richness.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This dish contains approximately 5 grams of protein per serving.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be peeled and sliced before being added to the boiling water.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled and diced into small chunks to ensure even cooking.
What is the fat content of this mash?
This recipe contains 11.25 grams of fat per serving.
Can I cook the vegetables longer than 25 minutes?
Yes, you can cook them slightly longer if you prefer a softer texture that is easier to mash.
When should I add the bacon to the mash?
Add the crispy bacon bits while you are mashing the potatoes and carrots.
Should the butter be melted before adding it?
No, let the diced butter sit on top of the warm, freshly drained vegetables so it melts naturally into them.
How much salt and pepper is needed?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, though you should season to taste.
What are the total carbohydrates in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this dish considered a side dish or a main course?
It is traditionally served as a hearty side dish, although it can be quite filling on its own.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is a traditional dish from Belgium, representing part of the country's culinary heritage.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total: potatoes, carrots, bacon, butter, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Does the recipe require any specific type of salt?
Standard table salt is used both for the boiling water and for final seasoning.
Is the nutmeg supposed to be fresh?
Freshly grated nutmeg is recommended for the best flavor, but pre-ground nutmeg can also be used.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include belgian, stoemp, carrot mashed potatoes, comfort food, side dish, bacon, and hearty.
Should the bacon be drained after sautéing?
The recipe suggests setting the bacon aside after sautéing to allow flavors to develop before adding the bits to the mash.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the best texture, you can use milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.
What should I do after adding all the ingredients?
Toss everything together well to ensure the vegetables are thoroughly coated with the cream and spices, then serve warm.