The Netherlands, often referred to as Holland, has a rich culinary heritage that is as diverse as its landscape. With the North Sea’s bounty, fertile farmlands, and influence from colonial times, Dutch cuisine offers an array of traditional dinner recipes that are both hearty and delightful.
Classic Dutch Pea Soup (Erwtensoep)
Let’s kick off our culinary tour with a quintessential Dutch winter dish – Erwtensoep or Dutch pea soup. This thick, hearty soup is traditionally made with split peas, pork, and rookworst (Dutch smoked sausage), making it the perfect comfort food for a cold evening.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound green split peas
- 2 smoked pork hocks
- 2 thick slices of bacon, diced
- 1 smoked sausage (rookworst)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Rinse the split peas and soak overnight.
- The next day, in a large pot, add the pork hocks, bacon, and split peas. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients, except the smoked sausage. Simmer for another 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Slice the sausage and add it to the soup. Continue simmering until the sausage is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Hearty Dutch Meatballs (Gehaktballen)
Gehaktballen, Dutch meatballs, are a staple in many Dutch homes. They’re typically larger than Italian meatballs and are packed with spices like nutmeg and clove.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup beef broth
Directions:
- Combine ground beef, onion, garlic, spices, bread crumbs, and egg in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form into large meatballs. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Add the beef broth to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Potato Mash with Endive (Stamppot Andijvie)
A classic Dutch dish, Stamppot Andijvie, combines mashed potatoes and endive to create a comfort food experience that’s both rustic and tasty.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 large endive, chopped
- 200g diced bacon
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
- While the potatoes are boiling, fry the diced bacon until crispy in a separate pan. Set aside.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them with milk and butter until smooth.
- Add the chopped endive to the mashed potatoes and stir until well combined.
- Mix in the crispy bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Dutch Apple Pie (Appeltaart)
No culinary tour of the Netherlands would be complete without dessert. Dutch apple pie is a comforting end to a meal, with its spiced apple filling and a lattice top.
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 5 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix apples, sugar, flour, spices, and lemon juice.
- Place the pie crust in a pie dish. Fill it with the apple mixture.
- Cut the remaining pie crust into strips and arrange them on top of the apple filling in a lattice pattern.
- Brush the beaten egg over the lattice.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden brown.
These Dutch dinner recipes offer a tantalizing blend of comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to experience traditional Dutch cuisine in your own home, these recipes will provide an unforgettable culinary adventure. Embrace the rich, hearty flavors of Dutch food, and enjoy your journey through the Netherlands’ culinary landscape!
