Hutspot

Hutspot is a traditional dish from the city of Leiden that dates back to 1574. This dish is traditionally eaten around the 3rd of October which is a festival in Leiden called Leidens Ontzet which celebrates the freedom of the city of Leiden from the Spanish. It originated during the siege of Leiden due to a shortage of supplies and became a dish of necessity. The dish comprises of onions, carrots and potatoes mixed together, given that potatoes weren't that popular in Europe when it originated, it would have been made with parsnips.. It is traditionally served with meat, either smoked sausage or klapstuk a Dutch cut of beef which benefits from slow cooking. I thought it about time that I showcased a dish from the city I now live in here in the Netherlands. 

1 large onion finely chopped

1 large carrot sliced

500g potatoes peeled and halved

50g butter

20ml oil for frying

Salt and pepper 

Cook the onions for 10 - 15 minutes until soft and glossy in the oil on a low heat

Remove from the pan and place to one side

Place the potatoes in the pan, adding enough water to cover them cook for 10 minutes, after 5 minutes of cooking has elapsed add the carrots

Check that both the carrots and potatoes are cooked through at the end of the cooking time, the carrots should have a little bite and the a knife should go through the potatoes easily

Strain the potatoes and carrots and remove to a plate with the onions

In the pot place the butter and allow to melt on a low heat

Place the potatoes, carrots and onions in the pan and using a potato masher, start to break them down, you want a rustic mash

Season to taste with the salt and pepper