The eighth president grew up in New York’s Dutch-speaking world.
Historical reconstruction
The vegetables listed in the 1840 attack on Van Buren’s White House garden provide this supper’s ingredients. Roasted roots, cabbage and peas turn the surviving produce list into a seasonal meal.
The president & the table
In 1840, Congressman Charles Ogle attacked Van Buren’s supposedly extravagant White House in the “gold spoon” speech. Along the way he listed the kitchen garden’s potatoes, cabbages, beets, peas, carrots, parsnips and berries.
Behind this story
White House Historical Association, “White House Vegetable Gardens”; Charles Ogle’s speech of 14 April 1840.
APRON ON. HISTORY CAN WAIT.
Make it at home.
Our home adaptation · Serves 4 · Not yet kitchen-tested
What you’ll need
Let’s make it
Heat the oven to 200°C / 400°F. Toss potatoes, carrots and parsnips with 2 tablespoons oil and half the salt. Spread on a large tray.
Toss beets separately with the remaining oil and a pinch of salt. Put them at one end of the tray or on a second small tray. Roast vegetables for 35–45 minutes, turning once, until tender.
Meanwhile, melt half the butter in a covered saucepan. Add cabbage, 3 tablespoons water and the remaining salt. Cover and cook gently for 12–15 minutes. Stir in peas and cook for another 4–5 minutes.
Finish roasted vegetables with the remaining butter, parsley and pepper. Add vinegar to cabbage and peas. Serve the vegetables together on warm plates.
About this home version
A modern home recipe with practical ingredients and measured quantities.
Metric and US measures are approximate equivalents. For baking, use weights when you can.
