Stoemp (Belgium)

I used this recipe for week 26 of my food blog, "Travel by Stove." I am attempting to cook on meal from every nation on Earth, and Belgium is my 26th stop. I never use any recipe for my blog that I'm not reasonably sure is from authentic or traditional sources, and this recipe has been posted without any alternations or additions to the ingredients. Stoemp is a traditional Belgian potato dish that can be made with many different vegetables, including cabbage, carrots and onions. This version uses leeks.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 55 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 4  medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
• 1  tablespoon salt
• 2  large leeks, white and light green parts
• 1  pinch nutmeg
• 2⁄3 cup heavy cream
• 3  tablespoons unsalted butter
•  fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. Boil the potatoes with the salt. Drain and run through a ricer or mash.
2. Meanwhile, rinse the leeks thoroughly and slice them into rings.
3. Melt the butter in a large pan and add the leek slices. Cook for five minutes or until soft, continuing to stir (you don't want them to brown).
4. Add the chicken stock, cream, nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring just to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain off the liquid, reserving it, and add the leeks to the potatoes.
6. Return the sauce to the pan and bring it back to a boil. Continue to boil, stirring continuously, until the sauce is reduced by half. Then add it to the mashed potatoes (you can also add some extra butter and cream if the mixture is too dry).
7. At this point you can either serve, or you can turn the stoemp into a baking dish and bake at 300 degrees for 2 hours (this will give it a crispy top).