Traditional Dutch Hete Bliksem Recipe (Hot Lightning)

Ingredients

  • 1 kg of potatoes
  • 4 sweet apples (like Jonagold or Elstar)
  • 4 sour apples (such as Granny Smith)
  • 300 g of bacon
  • 2 large onions
  • 1 cup of apple juice
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into pieces. Boil them in a large pot of salted water until they are soft.
  2. While the potatoes are boiling, peel the apples, remove the cores, and cut them into pieces.
  3. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until it is crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
  4. Chop the onions and sauté them in the bacon fat until they are golden brown.
  5. Add the chopped apples, apple juice, sugar, and vinegar to the pan with the onions. Cook until the apples are soft and the liquid has reduced.
  6. When the potatoes are done, drain them and mash them with a potato masher.
  7. Mix the apple and onion mixture into the mashed potatoes. Add the crispy bacon and stir until everything is well combined.
  8. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve the Hete Bliksem hot.

Tools for making

  • Potato peeler - Used to peel the potatoes
  • Knife - Used to cut the potatoes, apples, onions, and bacon
  • Cutting board - To provide a surface for cutting the ingredients
  • Large pot - Used to boil the potatoes
  • Pan - Used to cook the bacon and sauté the onions
  • Potato masher - Used to mash the boiled potatoes
  • Spatula - Used for stirring and combining the ingredients
  • Measuring cup - Used to accurately measure the apple juice

Recipe variations

  • Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the apple and onion mixture for a hint of warm spices.
  • Replace bacon with chopped ham or smoked sausage for a different variation of flavors.
  • Include raisins or dried cranberries in the apple and onion mixture for added sweetness and texture.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable oil for sautéing the onions.
  • Experiment with different types of apples to vary the flavor profile.
  • Add grated cheese on top before serving for a cheesy twist.
  • Serve the Hete Bliksem with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for added richness.
  • For a healthier option, bake the mashed potato and apple mixture in the oven until golden and crisp on top.
  • Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the apple and onion mixture for a tangier taste.
  • Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dish for added crunch and nuttiness.

Recipe overview

Hete Bliksem, which translates to "Hot Lightning," is a traditional Dutch dish featuring a delightful mix of mashed potatoes, apples, onions, and bacon. This hearty and comforting meal is characterized by its sweet and sour flavor profile, attributed to the combination of sweet and tart apples. The added savory elements from the bacon and onions only further enhance its distinctive taste. The process of making Hete Bliksem involves boiling and mashing potatoes, sautéing onions and apples in bacon fat, and combining these elements into a well-balanced, flavorful dish. The recipe is relatively straightforward and can be easily attempted by even novice cooks. The end result is a delicious, warm, and filling dish that's perfect for any cold day.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of apples? Yes, this recipe calls for a mix of sweet and sour apples, but you can experiment with different varieties to find your preferred flavor.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat instead of bacon? While bacon adds a distinct flavor to Hete Bliksem, you can substitute it with other cured or smoked meats like pancetta or ham.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and use vegetable oil or butter for sautéing the onions. The dish will still be delicious without the meat.
  4. How long does it take to boil the potatoes? The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potato pieces, but it usually takes around 15-20 minutes for the potatoes to become soft.
  5. Is it important to use apple juice in this recipe? Yes, apple juice adds sweetness and enhances the apple flavor in the dish. If you don't have apple juice, you can substitute it with a mixture of water and apple cider or even water with a bit of lemon juice.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Hete Bliksem, or "Hot Lightning", is a traditional Dutch dish that hails from the rural areas of the Netherlands. One might wonder about the origin of its striking name. The story goes that it gets its name from the contrast between the warm mashed potatoes and the tart, often cold apple sauce that were originally used in the recipe, representing the heat of lightning and the chill of thunder, respectively. It's a beloved comfort food in the Netherlands, especially during the colder months, and is a testament to the country's fondness for heartwarming, simple meals made from local, seasonal ingredients.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.