Waterzooi facts for kids
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Fish Waterzooi garnished with vegetables
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| Type | Stew |
|---|---|
| Place of origin |  Belgium |
| Region or state | Flanders |
| Main ingredients | Fish or chicken, vegetable broth, egg yolks, cream |
Waterzooi is a yummy stew from Belgium. It first came from a region called Flanders. The name "Waterzooi" comes from old Dutch words like sode or zo(o)de. These words mean "to boil" or "things being boiled."
Sometimes, people call it Gentse Waterzooi. This name tells us it started in the Belgian city of Ghent. Long ago, the original Waterzooi was often made with fish, either from rivers or the sea. This was known as Viszooitje.
Today, Kippenwaterzooi, which is made with chicken, is more common. One idea why fish became less common is that the rivers around Ghent got too dirty. This made the fish disappear. Even Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who had a health issue called gout, enjoyed this rich dish!
What is Waterzooi?
All kinds of Waterzooi start with a special soup base. This base is made from egg yolks, cream, and a thick vegetable broth. The stew also has either fish or chicken.
It's packed with vegetables like carrots, onions, celeriac, leeks, and potatoes. Chefs also add herbs such as parsley, thyme, bay-leaves, and sage to make it taste great.
Fish Waterzooi
Originally, a fish called burbot was used in Waterzooi. But this fish almost disappeared from the rivers. Luckily, it's now returning because people are working to protect it.
Today, other fish are used. These include eel, pike, carp, and bass. Sometimes, chefs use fish like cod, monkfish, or halibut. If you see Gentse Waterzooi van Tarbot, it means it has turbot fish in it.
Chicken Waterzooi
Chicken is a very popular choice instead of fish for this recipe. When chicken is used, the other ingredients, like the vegetables and the creamy broth, stay the same. It's a delicious way to enjoy this classic Belgian stew!
See also
In Spanish: Waterzooi para niños
