Möhren und Kartoffeln Durcheinander (oder mit Grün kohl, oder mit Bohnen)

The name of this recipe is the only complicated thing about it, but I love the compound words in the German language.  It translates to carrots and potatoes mixed together, also sometimes called Stampfpot.  This recipe tastes equally great if you substitute green beans (Bohnen) or kale (Grün kohl) for the carrots (Möhren)   I like to use a bit of onion with the carrot version, but it's optional.    The basics are the same for all three versions, but I added a few hints and tips for each different version. 

Ingredients: 

• 5 or 6 medium to large potatoes.  
• 6 or 7 medium to large carrots peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• About 1/4 cup butter
• About 1/2 cup milk

How to: 

TIP:  I use about a 1/4 cup of butter together with milk to mash the potatoes.  I mash using a hand masher and add gradually add milk until the potatoes are a creamy texture.  You have the right amount of milk when the mash potatoes slide from the hand masher without any clumps sticking to it.  

• As the potatoes are cooking, in a separate pot cook the carrots together with onion until the carrots are soft.  
• Drain the carrots and onion, and then mash together with the mashed potato until the texture fairly consistent and there are no large lumps of carrots.

If substituting Kale for the carrots, and if using frozen, break up the kale while still frozen, or if using fresh kale, or chop it fine prior to cooking and draining.  Skip the onions for this version.  The rest of the recipe is the same.

If substituting green beans for the carrots, make sure the beans are cooked so that they are soft enough to mash well after draining.  Skip the onions for this version too.

Goes with:

Tomato marinades, cucumber marinades, green salad with a sweet German dressing.  I like to serve with boiled lean farmer's sausage or boiled lean Mennonite sausage, but they can also be split and fried instead.    Make sure there is plenty of Maggi seasoning at the table when serving.  Don't forget the strong mustard for the sausages.   I think young children would love boiled hot dogs and ketchup instead of the sausages, and I know that kids love adding the Maggi.