Cooking The Netherlands
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In the north of the country and around Amsterdam, Alkmaar cabbage soup and cheese soup are traditionally served as starters. As for the main course, you must try Dutch sauerkraut and smoked eels or 'Stamppot', which is mashed potatoes with cabbage or chicory, served with smoked sausages and pork loin strips. Surrounded by the sea, the northern province serves many different types of fish: raw herring, fried mackerel, turbot or sole form some of the everyday meals here. Mussels, a very popular dish, are cooked in white wine with onions and leeks and traditionally served with chips.
The Dutch have hearty breakfasts but frugal lunches: they nibble on fresh herring or a broodje, a small meat and fresh vegetable sandwich.