How to Make Waterzooi (Vaterzoy) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Waterzooi, also spelled as Vaterzoy, is a traditional Belgian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This creamy stew is a classic comfort food that is made with a combination of chicken or fish, vegetables, and a rich, velvety broth. The name "Waterzooi" translates to "Simmered in Water" in Dutch, a testament to its cooking process.

Originally from the Flanders region of Belgium, Waterzooi has its roots in the 16th century, and it was initially prepared with fish from the rivers a...

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds fryer or boiler chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 leeks, sliced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium -high heat and quickly brown the chicken pieces. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pot, saute the leeks, onion, celery and salt until the vegetables are tender crisp. Return the chicken to the pot and add the water, bouillon and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is tender.
  • In a small bowl or cup, combine the flour and lemon juice; pour into the pot and stir.
  • Beat the cream and the egg yolks with 2 tablespoons of the hot liquid; stir into pot. Heat through, but do not allow to boil as the cream will curdle. Sprinkle in the parsley before serving.
  • Nutrition

    341 cal.

    • Total Fat: 24g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
    • Cholesterol: 162mg
    • Sodium: 823mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 7g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 23g
    • Vitamin C: 5mg
    • Calcium: 54mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 274mg