As the saying goes, “Waffles are to Belgium what croissants are to France.” And that’s no exaggeration! Belgians take their waffles very seriously, and for good reason. These delicious, light-as-air treats are a staple in every Belgian household, and they’re just one of many mouthwatering dishes that the country has to offer.
From hearty stews and comforting casseroles to decadent desserts and indulgent snacks, Belgian cuisine is all about rich flavors, quality ingredients, and a deep passion for cooking. And let’s not forget the beer – Belgians know a thing or two about crafting a fine brew!
In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 of Belgium’s most beloved recipes, each one guaranteed to transport your taste buds to the charming streets of Brussels, Antwerp, or Ghent. Whether you’re a foodie looking for inspiration or just someone who loves trying new dishes, you won’t want to miss these delicious Belgian recipes!
Classic Belgian Waffles
Experience the rich flavors of Belgium with this classic waffle recipe, perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Flavorings such as vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking until smooth.
5. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto the center of the waffle iron.
6. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes (depending on the number of waffles)
Authentic Belgian Carbonnade Flamande
Authentic Belgian Carbonnade Flamande: A Hearty Beef Stew Recipe
This classic Belgian dish is a rich and flavorful stew made with tender beef, onions, mustard, and dark beer. Serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dark beer (such as Chimay or Westvleteren)
– 1/4 cup mustard (such as Dijon or whole-grain)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the dark beer and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Return the beef cubes to the pot and cook, covered, until tender, about 2 hours.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes
Crispy Belgian Fries with Homemade Mayo
Elevate your snack game with this simple recipe that yields crispy, flavorful fries paired with a creamy and tangy homemade mayo. This classic combination is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt, to taste
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and cut the potatoes into long, thin strips.
3. Fry the potato strips in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
4. Drain excess oil on paper towels and season with salt to taste.
5. In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chopped dill.
6. Serve the crispy fries with homemade mayo for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Belgian Endive and Ham Gratin
This creamy gratin is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Crisp Belgian endive adds a delightful crunch to the dish, while caramelized ham provides a rich and satisfying bite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 Belgian endives
– 1/2 cup caramelized ham, diced
– 1/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the endives in half lengthwise and place them in a baking dish.
3. Top each endive with a spoonful of caramelized ham, followed by a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese.
4. Dot the top of each endive with butter and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour heavy cream over the endives, making sure they’re fully coated.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the endives are tender and the top is golden brown.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Traditional Belgian Waterzooi
Waterzooi, a classic Belgian soup, is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 cups water or chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
2. Pour in the water or broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Belgian Speculoos Cookies
Experience the rich flavors of Belgium with these classic speculoos cookies, infused with warm spices and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for dunking in tea or coffee, these crispy treats are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Liege-Style Belgian Waffles
Experience the rich flavors of Belgium with this traditional waffle recipe from the city of Liège. These sweet and indulgent treats are a staple at Belgian markets and festivals.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Let the batter rest for 1 hour at room temperature.
6. Brush the waffle iron with some melted butter and pour in the batter.
7. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 3-5 minutes per waffle
Belgian Chocolate Mousse
Experience the decadence of Belgium with this creamy and indulgent chocolate mousse recipe. Made with high-quality dark chocolate, heavy cream, and a touch of sugar, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a treat any time.
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), broken into small pieces
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the melted chocolate until well combined.
5. Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until no white streaks remain.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Pour the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Flemish Beef Stew with Beer
A hearty and flavorful stew originating from Flanders, this recipe combines tender beef with a rich beer broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck or shank, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup beer (dark lager or brown ale)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef cubes, then remove from pot.
3. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Add beer, broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Return beef to pot, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until beef is tender.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Belgian Sugar Waffles
Start your day with a sweet and crispy Belgian waffle, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. This recipe yields a batch of golden brown waffles that are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Flavorings of your choice (e.g., vanilla extract, cinnamon)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Cook waffles in batches for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or syrup.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on the number of waffles)
Belgian Stoemp with Sausage
A hearty and flavorful Belgian dish that combines sweet potatoes, sausage, and onions for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 lb Belgian sausage (such as Andouille or Knockwurst), sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, boil the diced sweet potatoes for 10 minutes, or until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the sliced sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the cooked sweet potatoes, cooked sausage, and butter to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Belgian Cherry Beer Cake
Moist and flavorful, this Belgian-inspired cake combines the richness of beer with the sweetness of cherries, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup cherry beer (Belgian-style), at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, and cherry beer. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped cherries.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Belgian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Savor the rich flavors of Belgium with this hearty dish, featuring tender meatballs smothered in a tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a main course at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, and garlic. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While meatballs are cooking, heat tomato sauce over medium-low heat.
6. Add the cooked meatballs to the tomato sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Belgian Apple Tart
A classic Belgian dessert, this apple tart combines sweet caramelized apples with a buttery pastry crust, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 3-4 apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a large skillet, cook apples with butter, sugar, honey, and cinnamon over medium heat until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
4. Arrange apple mixture on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Fold other half of pastry over apples to form a triangle or square shape.
6. Brush edges with water and fold again to seal.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Belgian Chicory Salad with Walnuts
A refreshing twist on classic chicory salad, this recipe adds the crunch and flavor of walnuts to create a delicious and healthy side dish or light lunch. This Belgian-inspired salad is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of Belgian endive, separated into leaves
– 1/2 cup of chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicory leaves, red onion, parsley, and blue cheese.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and white wine vinegar; season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Top the salad with chopped walnuts.
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold salad.
Belgian Paling in ‘t Groen (Eel in Green Sauce)
Savor the flavors of Belgium with this classic dish, featuring tender eel smothered in a vibrant green sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb eel fillets
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon white wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the eel fillets under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add the eel fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove the eel from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, combine heavy cream, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
7. If using white wine, add it to the sauce and stir to combine.
8. Return the eel fillets to the skillet and spoon the green sauce over them.
9. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Belgian Rabbit with Prunes
A classic Belgian dish, this rabbit recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for a cold winter’s night.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 kg rabbit pieces (thighs, legs, and back)
– 250g prunes
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add rabbit pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, add prunes, chicken broth, red wine, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
6. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the rabbit is tender.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Belgian Witloof in the Oven
This recipe for Witloof (Belgian-style endive) is a classic dish that’s easy to make and sure to please. By baking the endive with some simple ingredients, you’ll create a flavorful and crunchy side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 Belgian witloof (endive)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the top off each endive, leaving a small stem intact.
3. In a small bowl, mix together butter, Gruyère cheese, and parsley.
4. Stuff each endive with the butter mixture, dividing it evenly among the four to six endives.
5. Place the stuffed endives on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the endive is tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Belgian Seafood Croquettes
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these crispy and flavorful Belgian-inspired seafood croquettes, packed with a mix of succulent shrimp, cod, and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup fish stock or water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– For the filling:
+ 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, cod, and vegetables (such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers)
+ 1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Gradually add the fish stock or water to form a thick batter.
4. Add the cooked seafood mixture and beaten egg to the batter. Mix well.
5. Using wet hands, shape the mixture into small cylinders (about 1 inch long).
6. Fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Belgian Dame Blanche Dessert
Experience the rich flavors of Belgium with this classic dessert recipe. A creamy vanilla ice cream base is infused with the sweetness of caramelized bananas and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint vanilla ice cream
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– Whipped cream and chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced bananas and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Remove the bananas from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the granulated sugar and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a serving dish or glass. Top with the caramelized banana slices.
5. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the top (melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler).
6. Serve immediately, garnished with whipped cream and chopped nuts if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Discover the flavors of Belgium with these 20 delicious recipes! From classic waffles and crispy fries to hearty stews and sweet treats, this collection has something for everyone. Try making traditional Belgian dishes like Carbonnade Flamande, Waterzooi, or Stoemp with sausage, or indulge in sweet treats like Speculoos cookies and chocolate mousse. There are also savory options like Flemish beef stew, seafood croquettes, and rabbit with prunes. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to explore new cuisines, these recipes are sure to delight.
