Belgium Waterzooi Belgian (Gentse Waterzooi)

The very pleasant city of Ghent, at the confluence of the Schedlt and Lys rivers, is the historic capital of Flanders in northern Belgium. It is also the home of the most famous of Flemish stews, Gentse waterzooi or waterzooi gantois among the Francophones, a rich chicken stew made with vegetables and eggs and cooked in beer or a rich chicken stock. Waterzooi can be made with chicken, rabbit, or fish. The parsley root is an important part of waterzooi, so do make an effort to get it. Waterzooi is very nice served with boiled potatoes or toasted French bread with some butter.

Chicken with Belgian Endive (kip met witloof)

Belgian Endive is a slightly bitter vegetable, but delicious to those who acquire the taste. I realize it is rather expensive in the US, but “cheap as chips” here in Belgium !

Belgian Chicken Fricassee (Vol-Au-Vent)

This delicious, creamy chicken fricassee is a classic Belgian recipe. My father used to make this regularly for Sundays and other festive occasions. Often served as a starter, but it is great as a main course as well, accompanied by plain rice or potato puree, for example. Freezes well. Its Flemish name is “Koninginnenhapje”, which could be translated as “Queen’s Nibble”… nice, isn’t it?

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