Winters in Iowa are cold. Two years ago we had a polar vortex. I’ve never heard of a polar vortex before. But boy, THAT was cold!!! Temperatures were below 40 C with wind chill. This week will be brutal too, just -20 C (without wind chill). I say, it is time for some super easy, but super delicious Dutch Winter recipes. Or as they say in America, comfort food! (not fried, though 🙂
1. “Hutspot”.
This is one of the winter dishes you can make in a lot of different ways. The base is the same, which is potatoes, carrots and onions, but there are some great varieties possible. If you’re looking for an easy and kid friendly dinner, here you go!!!
2. Erwtensoep recipe.
This soup is also called “snert” or in English, Split Pea Soup. This soup is so thick, it’s a whole meal by itself. But as many Dutch people do, we combine it often with an apple and cheese pancake. Dutch pancakes are crepe-like and served sweet or savory.
The soup can be eaten vegetarian, or as a lot of Dutch people do, eat it with meat, like “rookworst”, ham or pork. Here is a simple, but delicious recipe for “Erwtensoep”.
3. “Zuurkool Schotel”, a favorite winter recipe at our house.
This oven dish is one of my favorite dishes for the cold winters. Sauerkraut is rich in Vitamin C. I add pineapple and baked apples for some sweetness and melted cheese on top warm out of the oven…yummm!!!
4. “Uitsmijter”
This is a funny name for food. The name ”uitsmijter” is also used for a bouncer. But in this case it is a slice of dark (rye) bread with butter, cheese (the Dutch kind of course) and a sunny side up fried egg.
This is the simple version, but you can make it as fancy as you want. Sometimes I throw in some deli sliced chicken or smoked salmon and my (American) husband, who actually uses the name ”uitsmijter”, eats it with sautéed spinach and mushrooms.
Anything can go with it, like asparagus, fresh herbs, smoked salmon, tomatoes, pickles, Brie, avocado etc…
Our latest variety is potato patties (like Rösti) with egg, spinach and mushrooms and fresh herbs.
5. No Knead Bread out of a Dutch Oven
Okay, I never knew what a Dutch Oven was, before I came to the US. Pretty soon I got a Dutch Oven from someone assuming I knew what it was, because everyone in the Netherlands uses one of these, right? Come on, DUTCH oven, see?
I think we just call it a heavy soup pot. I actually like the idea that people call it a Dutch Oven, because it is so versatile and the Dutch are known for their one pot dishes. It’s not only for stews and soups, but this no knead rustic, crunchy bread is awesome! I love to make this, because it is easy and good for lazy people like myself!
Here is the recipe and some tips. Try it with Italian herbs some time!
Keep checking in with me for more delicious Dutch Winter recipes!
Hello everyone,
Welcome to my Crafty Dutch Girl blog! Grab a cup of “koffie” and browse through fun blog posts about our Dutch family expat life in the USA, Dutch history, Dutch recipes, Dutch things to do in the USA and all kinds of crafts and activities. Don’t forget to connect with me for new ideas! “Groetjes en tot ziens”.