Ep 19. Going Dutch

In Good Eats season 11 episode 19, titled "Going Dutch," host Alton Brown explores the unique and flavorful cuisine of the Netherlands. The episode begins with a brief history of Dutch cuisine, which incorporates ingredients from both land and sea due to the country's location on the North Sea.

To showcase the best of Dutch cuisine, Brown starts by making a traditional Dutch pancake known as a poffertje. These small, puffy pancakes are made from a yeast-based batter and cooked in a special cast iron pan known as a poffertjespan. Brown shares tips on how to achieve the perfect texture and flavor for these delicious treats.

Next, Brown turns his attention to the Dutch classic dish of stamppot, which is essentially mashed potatoes and vegetables. Brown explains that stamppot is a versatile and customizable dish that can include various types of vegetables such as kale, sauerkraut, and even carrots. Brown also shows how to make a traditional Dutch sausage known as rookworst to serve alongside the stamppot.

Another Dutch dish that Brown dives into is bitterballen, a popular bar snack in the Netherlands. Bitterballen are deep-fried balls of a ragout-based filling that typically contain meat, broth, and spices. Brown shares his unique twist on this classic dish by incorporating an Asian-inspired filling of beef short ribs and shiitake mushrooms.

To wash down all the delicious Dutch cuisine, Brown demonstrates how to make a refreshing Dutch classic beverage known as a witbier. This wheat beer is flavored with coriander and orange peel and is a perfect complement to the hearty and savory Dutch dishes.

Overall, "Going Dutch" showcases the unique and flavorful components of Dutch cuisine and challenges the perception that Dutch cuisine is solely composed of cheese and clogs. Brown's creative twists on traditional Dutch dishes make for a fun and delicious episode that will leave viewers eager to try out their own Dutch-inspired recipes.