Dutch Dishes

Traditional Dutch Dishes to Warm Up Your Winter

Dutch cuisine is renowned for its hearty and warming dishes, perfect for the cold winter months. Here are some traditional Dutch favorites to help you embrace the season:

AVG’tje A common Dutch dinner staple, "AVG" stands for Aardappel, Vlees, Groenten (potato, meat, and vegetables). It’s not a specific dish but rather a classic combination of these essentials, found on many Dutch dinner tables.

Pea Soup / Snert This thick, hearty soup made from split peas, sausage, and vegetables is a true winter classic. After resting for a day, it thickens into snert, often enriched with added meats for even more flavor.

Hutspot A simple yet satisfying dish made of mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions, usually served with a piece of meat, such as braised beef or sausage. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.

Stamppot A versatile potato mash mixed with ingredients like kale, endive, cabbage, or sauerkraut. This traditional dish is typically served with smoked sausage (rookworst) and gravy, making it a favorite during winter.

Hachee A savory stew made from slowly cooked meat, fish, or poultry, along with vegetables, vinegar, cloves, and bay leaves. The result is a rich and flavorful gravy, ideal for a warming winter meal.

Dutch Pancakes Unlike their smaller American counterparts, Dutch pancakes are large and often eaten for dinner. They come with a variety of fillings, from sweet options like syrup, powdered sugar, or apple, to savory fillings such as cheese, spinach, or bacon.

Huzarensalade This cold side dish is a Dutch twist on the classic Russian salad, made with potatoes, eggs, pickles, vinegar, and mayonnaise. It’s often served at parties and gatherings alongside other hearty dishes.

These traditional Dutch meals are a wonderful way to experience the comfort and warmth of home-cooked food during the colder months. Whether you're savoring snert on a frosty day or enjoying a cozy stamppot dinner, these dishes offer a delicious taste of Dutch culture. Eet smakelijk!