Belgium Stoemp is a traditional Belgian dish featuring mashed potatoes and vegetables, typically carrots and onions. It's commonly served as a side dish or main course with sausage or bacon. This hearty meal is perfect for colder months, combining the natural sweetness of vegetables with the creaminess of mashed potatoes.

Belgium Stoemp is a beloved, comforting dish in Belgium, traditionally made with mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions. The vegetables are boiled until soft and then mashed with milk and butter to create a creamy texture. The dish is seasoned with salt and pepper and often served with meats like sausage or bacon.

Versatility is a key feature of Stoemp; other vegetables such as leeks, turnips, or cabbage can be added to the classic recipe. This adaptability makes it ideal for using leftover vegetables or incorporating seasonal produce.

Nutritionally, Stoemp is rich in fiber and vitamins from the vegetables, with protein and carbohydrates from the potatoes. Using milk and butter instead of cream makes it a lighter alternative to other mashed potato dishes.

To make Belgium Stoemp, you will need the following

ingredients:

1- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cubed

2- 2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped

3- 1 onion, chopped

4- 1/2 cup milk

5- 4 tbsp butter

6- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are soft and tender. Drain and set aside.

2- In a separate pot, boil the carrots and onions until they are soft.

3- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork, adding in the milk and butter until the mixture is smooth.

4- Add the boiled carrots and onions to the mashed potatoes and stir well.

5- Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6- Serve hot with sausage or bacon, if desired.

Notes:

1- You can also add other vegetables to the stoemp, such as leeks, turnips, or cabbage.

2- Some people like to add chopped herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the stoemp for extra flavor.

3- Stoemp can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition Value:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients:

1. Potatoes (1 kg, peeled and cubed):

• Calories: 770 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 179 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Fiber: 22 g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and fiber.
• May improve digestion due to their high fiber content.
• Provide energy and can help in maintaining healthy blood pressure.

2. Carrots (2-3, peeled and chopped):

• Calories: 52 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 4 g

benefits:

• Excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and is essential for good vision.
• Rich in antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease.
• Good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.

3. Onion (1, chopped):

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 2 g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve heart health.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that promote a healthy gut microbiome.
• May help reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels.

4. Milk (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 61 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 3 g

benefits:

• Excellent source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Good source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains vitamin D, which helps in the absorption of calcium and supports a healthy immune system.

5. Butter (4 tbsp):

• Calories: 407 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 46 g

benefits:

• Contains healthy saturated fats that are important for brain health and hormone production.
• Contains butyrate, a type of fatty acid that may help reduce inflammation and improve digestive health.
• Contains vitamins A, E, and K, which are important for various bodily functions.

6. Salt and pepper (to taste):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Salt is essential for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body and is important for nerve and muscle function.
• Pepper contains piperine, which may improve digestion and increase the absorption of certain nutrients.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors like cooking method and specific product brands used.

Belgium Stoemp is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With its blend of mashed potatoes and vegetables, it is a nutritious and satisfying choice for any occasion.