In the land of Concordia, a peculiar island of extreme opposites floats in the Brrrnimg Sea, Heatfreeze Island. This island is split between scorching heat and freezing cold, and its inhabitants have adapted in fascinating ways. The island’s fiery side is home to Boilin Village, while the residents of Freezin Village can be found on the icy side. The residents of both villages are very culinary minded, and each boasts a signature dish using the islands key crop, Heatfreeze Potatoes. In Freezin Village one will find the potatoes used to make the cold, refreshing Potato Gelato, while in Boilin Village the residents use the potatoes to make the warm and spicy Hottato Stew.
This contrast in food traditions reflects the duality of their environment—while one side embraces the heat with their fiery, spiced cuisine, the other leans into the cold, creating a fascinating cultural divide in their culinary identities. This divide also makes for a fierce rivalry, with each island faction pitting their dish against the other to determine whose dish reigns supreme.
Though both dishes are equally intriguing, our focus today will be on the culinary offering of the residents of Boilin Village, the Hottato Stew. This soup simmers the Heatfreeze Potatoes in a spicy red broth enhanced with local herbs. The look and feel of this soup just begs for a slightly Italian interpretation using potatoes, tomatoes, and basil… very appropriate for a Mario recipe!
For this real-world interpretation of Hottato Stew, I did indeed take an Italian style approach. I sought to capture the hearty, warming essence of the soup while translating its unique game-world qualities into something deliciously tangible and deliciously Italian influenced. While we may not have Heatfreeze Potatoes in our world, a blend of regular potatoes, aromatic spices, and a tomato-based broth brings a similarly comforting warmth. The addition of smoked paprika and fresh basil enhances the dish with depth and freshness, making it a rich yet balanced soup. Lastly, we can’t forget the heat! The addition of one or two red chili peppers adds the right amount of spice to give this soup that proper Boilin Village flare. My version stays true to the concept of a dish designed to warm the soul, much like it does for the residents of Heatfreeze Island. Whether you’re a heroic plumber trying to save the world from Lord Zokket or just looking for a cozy meal, this take on Hottato Stew delivers a taste of Concordia right to your table.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 fresh red chilies, seeded and chopped
4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 fresh red chilies, seeded and chopped
4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once the pot is warm, add the olive oil and ensure the bottom of the pot is coated. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and chilies, stir, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chopped potatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the potatoes with the spices.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, stir to blend the contents of the soup, and bring the soup to a boil. Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and allow the soup to simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the chopped basil, and allow the soup to simmer for another minute or two. The soup is ready.
To serve the soup, ladle it into bowls, ensuring a few potatoes make it into the bowl. Garnish the top of the soup with a few whole basil leaves. Enjoy!
Learn more about the Hottato Stew dish from Mario and Luigi: Brothership at the Super Mario Wiki.