Cook Belgian leek stoemp in 4 simple steps
Belgian leek stoemp, a comforting dish from Belgium, is a flavorful mix of mashed potatoes and leeks. It's often served as a side but can be a hearty vegetarian main course. Celebrating the potato and leek, this traditional dish is deeply rooted in Belgian culinary culture. It offers a delightful texture and taste experience. Ready to cook? Let's master this Belgian staple.
Gather the following ingredients
For the vegetarian Belgian leek stoemp, assemble four large potatoes (peeled and cubed), three leeks (cleaned and sliced), one cup of milk (dairy or plant-based for a vegan option), four tablespoons of unsalted butter or its vegan equivalent, salt and pepper to taste, a pinch of nutmeg, and two tablespoons of chopped parsley for garnish.
Preparing the potatoes
Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil on high heat, then lower to medium-low to simmer. Cook until tender, which you can check by piercing with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes. After they're done, drain and return the potatoes to the pot for the next steps.
Cooking the leeks
As the potatoes continue to simmer, start preparing the leeks. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of butter over a medium flame. Introduce the sliced leeks and season with a pinch of salt. Stir them occasionally, ensuring they soften and acquire a slight caramelization, which should take around ten minutes. Monitor the heat to prevent excessive browning that could alter the flavor.
Mashing together
Combine the tender leeks with the drained potatoes in the pot. Introduce one cup of milk and a generous addition of two tablespoons of butter. Carefully season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg to suit your palate. With a masher, blend the ingredients to either a smooth puree or leave it with some chunks, based on your texture preference.
Final touches
Once your stoemp is mashed to the right texture, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Spoon the stoemp into a serving dish or directly onto plates. For a final touch, scatter chopped parsley over each serving. This adds a pop of color and an extra dimension of flavor, enhancing both the visual appeal and taste of this classic Belgian dish.
