Classic Himmel und Erde with Blood Sausage

Classic Himmel und Erde with Blood Sausage

Prep: 25 min • Cook: 30 min. The traditional Rhenish comfort food: creamy mashed potatoes blended with sweet applesauce, served alongside pan-fried blood sausage and crispy fried onions. This hearty dish, translating to 'Heaven and Earth,' beautifully marries the earthy flavors of potatoes with the sweet fruitiness of apples.

Preparation time
25 min
Cooking time
30 min
Total time
55 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes and Applesauce

  1. 1Place the quartered potatoes in a pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. 2While the potatoes are cooking, place the diced apples in a small saucepan with about 2-3 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat until soft and beginning to break down, about 10-15 minutes. Mash with a fork or potato masher to create a rough applesauce.
  3. 3Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly. Return them to the pot and mash them well. Add the butter and warmed milk, and beat until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly grated nutmeg to taste.
  4. 4Gently fold the prepared applesauce into the mashed potatoes. Be careful not to overmix; you want some streaks of apple visible.

Cook the Blood Sausage and Onions

  1. 1In a large non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced blood sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned and heated through.
  2. 2Remove the blood sausage from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories
651 kcal
Protein
25 g
Fat
36 g
Carbs
60 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories651 kcal
Protein25 g
Fat36 g
Carbs60 g

Tips

  • Serve the clouds and earth warm, with the blood sausage medallions atop the apple-potato mash.
  • For authentic flavor, use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith for the applesauce component.
  • Don't overcook the blood sausage; it should be heated through but still retain its shape.

By Chef Michael Ilin