Boom, it's fall. At least, that's how it's going here in the Netherlands, where the change of seasons has been as abrupt as it has been welcome. Immediately on the heels of a European heatwave I believe was designed by Satan himself, I awoke one morning this week to crisp air and a flutter or orange and yellow leaves in my path. And after subsisting almost entirely on poke bowls and salad lately, I feel eminently ready for what the Dutch excel at — the coziest, most comforting meals, suitable for long nights and a climate that has twelve different words to express how much you hate the weather.
While the Dutch pride themselves on a multitude of soul warming foods, thanks in no small part to the country's diverse cultural and culinary influences, you can't go wrong with its national dish, stamppot. A relative of the Irish colcannon, English bubble and squeak, and Indian aloo palak, this is the kind of humble, stick to the ribs food just made for when the temperature dips. Buttery mashed potatoes are mixed with loads of dark leafy greens and onions, then served alongside smoky, salty sausage. How can something so simple have such a perfect balance of flavors and textures? Just trust me, it's an international classic for a reason.
