Cooking & Markets

1. Hoe maak je stamppot?

   How do you make stamppot?

   Usage

   Used to ask how to prepare stamppot, the quintessential Dutch comfort food

   Grammar Note

   Stamppot is mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables (cabbage, kale, swede). Classic Dutch winter comfort food

2. Ik wil graag erwtensoep leren koken

   I would like to learn to cook erwtensoep

   Usage

   Used to express interest in learning to make Dutch split pea soup, a winter classic

   Grammar Note

   Erwtensoep is also called "snert". Traditionally so thick a spoon stands upright — that's the sign of a perfect pot

3. Hoeveel boter moet ik toevoegen?

   How much butter should I add?

   Usage

   Used when cooking to ask about butter quantity. Dutch cuisine uses generous amounts of butter

   Grammar Note

   "Toevoegen" is separable (toe + voegen). In recipes: "Voeg de boter toe" (add the butter)

4. Op welke temperatuur moet de oven staan?

   What temperature should the oven be set to?

   Usage

   Used when following a recipe to check the oven temperature

   Grammar Note

   Dutch recipes use Celsius. "180 graden" = 180°C. "Graden" is the plural of "graad" (degree)

5. Wat voor kruiden gebruik je in dit recept?

   What herbs do you use in this recipe?

   Usage

   Used to ask about herbs and spices in a Dutch recipe

   Grammar Note

   "Kruiden" = herbs; "specerijen" = spices. Common Dutch cooking herbs: peterselie (parsley), tijm (thyme), laurier (bay leaf)

6. Hoe lang moet het sudderen?

   How long does it need to simmer?

   Usage

   Used to ask about simmering time when preparing soups or stews

   Grammar Note

   "Sudderen" is to simmer (low heat); different from "koken" (to boil). Dutch stews often simmer for hours

7. Kun je mij het recept sturen?

   Can you send me the recipe?

   Usage

   Used to ask a friend or family member to share a recipe

   Grammar Note

   "Kun je" is the informal version of "Kunt u". Use "je/jij" with friends and family, "u" with strangers or elders

8. Ik wil stroopwafels zelf bakken

   I want to bake stroopwafels myself

   Usage

   Used to express wanting to make homemade stroopwafels

   Grammar Note

   "Zelf" adds emphasis: "I myself". "Bakken" = to bake (pastries, bread); "koken" = to cook (boiling, general cooking)

9. Is dit gerecht vegetarisch?

   Is this dish vegetarian?

   Usage

   Used to check if a dish is vegetarian at a restaurant or cooking class

   Grammar Note

   The Netherlands has excellent vegetarian options. Vegan = "veganistisch". "Zonder vlees" (without meat) also works

10. Mag ik het recept van uw oma?

    May I have your grandmother's recipe?

    Usage

    A warm way to ask for a traditional family recipe. Dutch grandma's cooking is cherished

    Grammar Note

    "Oma" is the affectionate term for grandmother; "grootmoeder" is formal. Oma's recipes hold a special place in Dutch food culture

11. het zout

    Salt

    Usage

    Point to this to ask for salt or for less of it; "zonder zout" means without salt

    Grammar Note

    A "het" word; the adjective "zout" (salty) has the same form

12. de suiker

    Sugar

    Usage

    Point to this to ask for sugar or check for it; "zonder suiker" means without sugar

    Grammar Note

    A "de" word; diabetes is also called "suikerziekte", built on the same word

13. de peper

    Pepper (spice)

    Usage

    The ground table spice; a bell pepper is "de paprika" and a chilli is "de chilipeper", so use this card at the table

    Grammar Note

    A "de" word; black pepper is "de zwarte peper" and white pepper "de witte peper"

14. de olie

    Oil

    Usage

    Point to this to ask for cooking oil or to check what a dish is fried in

    Grammar Note

    A "de" word; olive oil is "de olijfolie" and peanut oil "de pinda-olie", which matters for allergies

15. de azijn

    Vinegar

    Usage

    Point to this to ask for vinegar; the Dutch also sprinkle it on chips

    Grammar Note

    A "de" word; balsamic is "de balsamicoazijn"

16. de boter

    Butter

    Usage

    Point to this to ask for butter or to check for dairy

    Grammar Note

    A "de" word; plant-based margarine is "de margarine", a distinction that matters if you avoid dairy

17. de honing

    Honey

    Usage

    Point to this to ask for honey or to check for it, including for a vegan diet

    Grammar Note

    A "de" word; the syrup in a Dutch stroopwafel is "stroop" (treacle), not honey

18. de knoflook

    Garlic

    Usage

    Point to this to ask for or avoid garlic; "zonder knoflook" means without it

    Grammar Note

    A "de" word; a single clove is "het teentje knoflook"

19. de ui

    Onion

    Usage

    Point to this to have onion left out; "zonder ui" means without onion

    Grammar Note

    A "de" word; plural "de uien". Leek is "de prei" and spring onion "de bosui"

20. de gember

    Ginger

    Usage

    Point to this to ask for ginger or to check for it

    Grammar Note

    A "de" word; fresh ginger is "verse gember" and ground ginger "gemberpoeder"

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