Page 58 - Book-TradiAliCulture-Belgium

“The stoemp” is a traditional meal. It is made of mashed potatoes mixed with
some of the following vegetables: onions, carrots, leeks, endives, peas with thymes
and bay-laurel. It is usually accompanied by stir-fried blood sausage, roasted bacon,
sausage or fried eggs which can also be replaced by rib steak.

« Stoemp » is pronounced « Stoomp ». It is a typical brabant word. Like in
Dutch or other Flemish dialect, “oe” is pronounced “oo”. This name comes from the
Dutch words “doorgestoemp de patatjes” which mean “mashed potatoes”.

The words « Stoemp » referring to a dish appeared in Brussels in XIX century.
But it probably existed before because the use of potatoes is testified in the XVI
century in the principality of Liege.

The origin of the recipe is probably Dutch because the “bintje” is from there. The
“bintje” is the potato used to prepare the authentic “stoemp”. It rose from economic

needs due to poverty. This traditional dish was at first mainly consumed by peasant.
It is a symbol of conviviality and sharing.

Nowadays, it is made in various home because it is delighted by younger and
older people. It also offers enormous variety depending on inspiration or the leftover
vegetables. It has long been snubbed by Michelin-starred chefs. Some of them now
restyle it with caviar, lobster or foie gras.

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