Stoemp (Belgian Mashed Potatoes with Vegetables)
Why this recipe works
- Creamy but not heavy: Warming the milk and butter before mashing helps them blend smoothly into the potatoes.
- Vegetable sweetness: Carrots add sweetness while leeks bring a gentle savoury note, giving the mash more character than plain potatoes.
- Simple technique: The method relies on boiling, draining and mashing, with no specialist equipment beyond a potato masher.
Get the most out of this recipe
Authenticity notes
- Belgian home-style mash: Stoemp is typically rustic and comforting, with vegetables mashed into the potatoes rather than served separately.
- Vegetable variations: Carrot and leek are a familiar combination, but stoemp is often adapted with other everyday vegetables depending on what is available.
- Classic serving: It is commonly served with sausages, meatballs, bacon or slow-cooked meats, though it also works well with vegetarian mains.
Texture tips
- For a smoother mash: Mash the potatoes and carrots thoroughly before adding the warm milk mixture so the vegetables break down evenly.
- For a creamier finish: Add the warm milk and butter mixture gradually, mashing just until the stoemp looks soft and cohesive.
- Avoid gluey potatoes: Use a masher rather than a food processor, and stop once the mixture is smooth enough for your preference.
Ingredient notes
- Best potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes suit stoemp well because they mash smoothly while still holding enough body for a soft, rustic texture.
- Wash the leek well: Leeks can trap grit between their layers, so trim, split and rinse them thoroughly before slicing.
- Use nutmeg lightly: Freshly grated nutmeg gives warmth and depth, but it is potent; add a small pinch first and adjust to taste.
Make-ahead tips
- Make ahead: Stoemp can be cooked in advance, cooled quickly and refrigerated until needed.
- Reheat gently: Warm it in a saucepan over a low heat with a splash of milk, stirring until piping hot and creamy again.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze in an airtight container, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and cut into even chunks. Peel the carrots and cut into small pieces. Trim and wash the leek well, then slice it.
- Put the potatoes and carrots in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 1/2 tsp of the salt, bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the potatoes are very tender. Drain well in a colander.
- While the potatoes cook, put the milk and butter in a small saucepan with the sliced leek. Warm gently over a low heat for 8 to 10 minutes until the leek is soft and the milk is steaming, but do not let it boil.
- Return the drained potatoes and carrots to the pot and let them steam dry over a low heat for 1 minute, shaking the pot. Mash until smooth, then pour in the hot milk mixture and mash again until creamy. Season with the remaining salt, the black pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a touch more nutmeg if you like. Serve hot, straight from the pot.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best texture, drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them steam dry briefly before mashing.
- Warm the milk and butter with the leek gently; boiling can dull the flavour and make the mash taste flat.
- If serving to young children or anyone who is vulnerable, grate the nutmeg lightly and keep it subtle, as it can be strong.
Substitutions
- Replace Whole milk with low-fat milk for a lighter mash, adding an extra 10 g Unsalted butter to keep it creamy.
- Replace Leek with an equal weight of Yellow onion for a more pronounced allium flavour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool quickly, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat in a saucepan over a low heat with a splash of Whole milk, stirring until piping hot; freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ratings & reviews
Liked this recipe? Share your feedback to support our cooking community.
Tried this recipe?
Choose 1–5 stars. A comment is optional.
Stay inspired
Discover new recipes, seasonal favourites and cooking inspiration every day. Follow JustRecipes on Pinterest and Spillt.
Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 45min (18min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Belgian
-
Allergens:
Milk
Plan your meals and get a complete grocery list automatically.
Add to meal plannerEquipment you'll need
Got ingredients left?
Find recipes using ingredients from this recipe or what you already have at home.
Find recipes with these ingredients →
Air Fryer Crispy Baby Potatoes
Crispy air-fried baby potatoes with garlic and rosemary.
Kopytka (Polish Potato Dumplings) with Browned Butter
Polish potato dumplings tossed in browned butter and parsley
Huevos Rotos con Jamón y Patatas (Fried Eggs with Ham and Potatoes)
Crisp potatoes topped with runny eggs and Serrano ham
Southern Collard Greens
Slow-simmered collard greens with smoked ham hock
Sumac Roasted Vegetables with Lemon and Olive Oil
Roasted vegetables with sumac, lemon and olive oil
Za’atar Oven Chips
Oven chips tossed with za'atar, lemon and sea salt
Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
Crisp air fryer roast potatoes with rosemary and garlic.
Arroz Rojo (Mexican Red Rice)
Fluffy Mexican red rice with tomato, carrots and peas
Agurkesalat (Danish Cucumber Salad in Sweet Vinegar Dressing)
Danish cucumber salad in a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing
Thai Curry Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables coated in red curry and coconut milk
Lime and Coriander Rice
Fluffy lime and coriander rice finished with olive oil
Pilav (Turkish Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli)
Turkish rice pilaf with toasted vermicelli cooked in chicken stock
Stoemp Bowl with Carrots and Leeks
Mashed potatoes with carrots and leeks, enriched with butter
Stoemp Bowl with Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Leek mash topped with roasted carrots and parsnips
Stoemp met Worst (Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables with Sausage)
Belgian mashed potatoes and vegetables topped with pork sausages
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties (Haggis with Mashed Swede and Potatoes)
Warmed haggis with mashed swede and potatoes
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Lentils
Vegetarian shepherd's pie with lentils and mashed potato topping
Gratin Dauphinois Traditionnel (Creamy Potato Gratin)
Creamy French potato gratin with garlic and nutmeg
You might also like
Lentejas con Chorizo y Morcilla (Spanish Lentil Stew)
Spanish lentil stew with chorizo and morcilla
Menestra de Verduras (Spanish Braised Spring Vegetables)
Spanish braised spring vegetables with mint and lemon
Tarte Flambée (Alsatian Flatbread with Crème Fraîche, Bacon and Onion)
Crisp tarte flambée with crème fraîche, bacon and onions
Air Fryer Paneer Tikka
Air-fried paneer tikka with peppers and red onion.
Mushroom and Chestnut Wellington (Vegetarian)
Mushroom and chestnut Wellington baked in crisp puff pastry
Air Fryer Butter Biscuits
Buttermilk biscuits cooked in the air fryer and brushed with butter.
Make this recipe easier next time
AdvertisementThese tools help you get better results with less effort.
WMF Mini Saucepan 16 cm with Lid
- High-quality stainless steel
- Even heat distribution
- Higher price point
T-fal Specialty Nonstick Handy Pot with Glass Lid 3 Quart
- Easy food release
- Dishwasher safe
- Not induction compatible
All-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Saucepan
- Excellent heat control
- Premium build quality
- Expensive
Enjoy cooking with JustRecipes?
Add JustRecipes as one of your preferred Google sources to discover our recipes more easily across Google Search.
Add JustRecipes to GoogleEvery recipe on JustRecipes follows the same structured editorial process. Learn how recipes are created, validated, translated, illustrated, and continuously improved across the platform. How we create recipes.
