Himmel un Ääd: Mashed potatoes, apples, and black pudding.
Himmel un Ääd, translating to 'Heaven and Earth' in English, is a traditional German dish that represents the combination of ingredients from the sky (Himmel) and the earth (Ääd). This comfort food features a hearty mixture of mashed potatoes (earth) and apples (heaven) paired with savory black pudding. The apples are typically sautéed with onions until they caramelize, infusing the dish with a sweet and tangy flavor. The mashed potatoes are prepared with butter and cream for a smooth texture. Black pudding, or blood sausage, is fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bringing a rich and distinctive flavor. This authentic Rhineland specialty is deeply rooted in German cuisine and can be served as a main dish. It's a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and earthy notes, usually enjoyed during the colder months or as a festive meal.
Introduction:
Himmel Und Ääd, literally translating to "Heaven and Earth," is a hearty German dish that combines the sweetness of apples (Heaven) with the earthiness of potatoes (Earth). This traditional comfort food is often served alongside savory blood sausage, onions, and apples. Below is a modified version inspired by Beas Rezepte und Ideen, perfect for those looking for an authentic taste of German cuisine right in their kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg waxy potatoes
- 2 large apples, peeled and cored
- 1 large onion, peeled
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- Blood sausage (substitute liver cheese or bratwurst if preferred), sliced
- Milk, as needed
- Butter, as needed
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Water or apple juice
- Cooking oil, for frying
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Frying pan
- Potato masher
- Knife and cutting board
Servings: 2-4
Instructions:
1. Peel, wash, and chop the potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a large pot of water, bring to a boil, and cook until tender.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, peel and core the apples. Cut them into small pieces.
3. In a saucepan, gently heat a tablespoon of brown sugar until melted. Add a small amount of butter and the apple pieces, cooking until the apples are tender. If needed, add a little water or apple juice to prevent drying out.
4. Peel the onion and slice it into rings. In a frying pan, slow cook the onion rings with a little oil until caramelized and golden brown.
5. Once the potatoes are done, drain them and let them steam dry. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher, adding milk and a generous knob of butter to achieve a smooth consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
6. For the blood sausage, slice it into 1.5 to 2 cm thick pieces, lightly dredge in flour, shaking off the excess, and fry in a hot pan with a little oil until crispy.
7. Serve the mashed potatoes with apple compote on the side and topped with caramelized onions and fried blood sausage. Enjoy this hearty and traditional German meal!
Cooking Tips:
- For a creamier mash, heat the milk and butter before adding to the potatoes.
This recipe was inspired by Bea's recipes and ideas. Check out their YouTube channel for more delicious recipes: https://www.youtube.com/@BeasRezepteUndThom #heavenandearth #germancuisine #traditionalfood #comfortfood
YouTube channel - Beas Rezepte und Ideen: https://www.youtube.com/@BeasRezepteUndThom
Himmel un Ääd: Mashed potatoes, apples, and black pudding.
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