Here is a classic recipe, straight from the region where I was born! Lush buttermilk mashed potatoes topped off with a sprinkle of peeled grey North Sea shrimp, a creamy poached egg and a simple drizzle of melted butter sauce on top…
Doesn’t that sound amazing?
I have been looking so forward to making this dish!
We call this one karnemelkstampers in Flemish.
Karnemelk means buttermilk, and then stampers is derived from the Flemish verb stampen, which refers to mashing or grinding something up finely.
So buttermilk mashed potatoes, or karnemelkstampers.
In my local dialect it is called kerremekstovers or papsowse.
This dish might also go by other names such as smeus or tatjespap.
Ain’t that a mouthful!
Best Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes (Flemish Karnemelkstampers)
Let’s talk about the ingredients in this dish.
First off, buttermilk mashed potatoes with buttermilk instead of milk. You really have to try that! The buttermilk gives it a fresher flavor.
Not a fan of buttermilk?
Then you can add plain milk of course.
Do you often poach eggs at home?
No need to be scared of it because here is the good news: try out my most favorite way to poach eggs: use the Arzak method, poached eggs in clingfilm!
And then we got those famous little buggers on top!
Grey North Sea Shrimp
Grey North Sea shrimp are very popular around here and in France.
You can also find them in the UK under the name of brown shrimp.
I made another Belgian shrimp classic the night before: tomates aux crevettes or classic Belgian tomatoes stuffed with a grey shrimp salad.
So I kept a handful of them aside and made these buttermilk mashed potatoes for lunch the day after.
Some of my American friends are a little frightened when they see these tiny pink worms for the first time, until they taste them.
It is hard to describe their flavor: salty sweet. And their meat is juicy and firm. Do try them when you have a chance!
Yummy…
Enjoy!
Best Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Flemish buttermilk mashed potatoes with grey shrimp, creamy poached egg and butter sauce!
- 2 tbsp grey North Sea shrimp (peeled)
- 5,5 oz waxy potatoes (155 g)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup buttermilk (60 ml)
- 2 tsp sour cream optional
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped finely
- 1 egg
- pepper
- salt
Peel and chop the potatoes. Transfer them to a medium saucepan with salted water and boil them until cooked through. Then drain the potato and add them back to the pan with half of the butter and the sour cream (optional).
Mash the potatoes. Add the freshly chopped parsley or chives, pour in the buttermilk and season with a little pepper and salt.
- Mash the potatoes again. Check the seasoning and add extra pepper and salt to taste if necessary. Then cover the buttermilk mash and put it aside for now. Fill a pan with water and bring to a gentle boil. Add the egg.
- Then poach the egg for 4 minutes.
- This is the classic way to poach eggs. You can also use my cling film method, very easy! In the meantime melt the remaining butter in a small pan until lightly nutty. Don't burn it! Scoop the buttermilk mashed potatoes in a deep plate. Top with the poached egg and sprinkle with the grey shrimp. Drizzle with the melted butter, extra chopped chives or parsley and some pepper and salt. Serve hot.
What is buttermilk?
Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product that is made by adding lactic acid bacteria to fresh milk.
It usually has a slightly sour, tangy flavor, and contains more fat than regular milk.
It is commonly used to make pancakes, biscuits, and other baked goods.
What are brown shrimp?
Brown shrimp are small, brown–colored shrimp that are harvested in the coastal regions of the United States and Europe.
They are known for their sweet, mild taste and are often used in salads, chowders, and other dishes.
Brown shrimp are also a popular choice for use in shrimp cocktails.
Are brown shrimp the same as potted shrimp?
No, brown shrimp are not the same as potted shrimp.
Potted shrimp are a type of shrimp that is cooked and preserved in a jar with a brine solution. Brown shrimp are usually uncooked and are usually sold fresh.
What recipes can I make with buttermilk?
You can make a variety of recipes with buttermilk, including pancakes, biscuits, muffins, scones, cakes and waffles.
You can also use it to marinate or tenderize meats (such as chicken wings) and make a variety of sauces and dressings.
You can also use it as a substitute for milk in recipes.
Will buttermilk make potato mash sour?
No, buttermilk will not make potato mash sour.
However, if you add too much of it, the flavor of your buttermilk mashed potatoes can become overly tangy and unpleasant. Be sure to add the buttermilk gradually and taste the potatoes as you go to ensure the flavor is to your liking.
Thanks guys! Oh it’s the perfect rainy day food: buttery and rich… 😉