Vijfschaft

Vijfschaft Recipe: Delicious Dutch Dish Made with Kidney Beans, Carrots, Onions, Apples, Potatoes, Bacon, and Sausage

Region / culture: Netherlands | Servings: 6

Introduction

Vijfschaft is a traditional Dutch dish that is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of beans, vegetables, apples, and smoked sausage creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Vijfschaft has been a popular dish in the Netherlands for centuries. It originated as a simple peasant dish made with whatever ingredients were available, such as beans, potatoes, and vegetables. Over time, the recipe evolved to include more ingredients like apples, bacon, and smoked sausage, adding depth and richness to the dish.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) kidney beans or pinto beans
2 lb (907 g) carrots, sliced
4 onions, sliced and divided into rings
2 green apples, peeled and cut into wedges
2 lb (907 g) potatoes, thinly sliced
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
1 tsp sage
1 tbsp cornstarch
4 tbsp butter
0.5 lb (227 g) bacon, sliced and cooked
1 large smoked sausage, sliced

How to prepare

Soak the beans overnight in enough water to cover; drain and place in a large heavy casserole.
Cover the beans with water and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
Add the carrots, onions, and apples; let them cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Add the potatoes, sage, and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in the cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp of water to thicken the sauce.
Stir in the butter until it melts.
Remove from heat, top with the bacon and sausage, and serve.

Variations

Add chopped kale or spinach for added greens.
Use different types of beans such as kidney beans or black beans.
Substitute the smoked sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.

- Adding cornstarch dissolved in water helps to thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture.

- Be sure to stir in the butter at the end to add richness and flavor to the dish.

- Top the Vijfschaft with crispy bacon and sliced smoked sausage for a delicious finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vijfschaft with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the beans and vegetables slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch for a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

- Substitute olive oil for butter for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

Vijfschaft can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Vijfschaft in individual bowls topped with crispy bacon and sliced smoked sausage for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Vijfschaft with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Vijfschaft in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Iron: 20% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Pork

Summary

Vijfschaft is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that provides a good balance of nutrients.

Summary

Vijfschaft is a delicious and comforting Dutch dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. This hearty meal is full of flavor and nutrients, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for any occasion. Enjoy this traditional recipe and savor the rich flavors of beans, vegetables, apples, and smoked sausage in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Anna in the quaint little village of Vijfschaft. Anna was a wonderful cook, and she had promised to teach me one of her most treasured recipes.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the delicious aromas of simmering spices and bubbling pots, she pulled out an old, tattered recipe card from her recipe box. She explained that the recipe for Vijfschaft had been passed down through generations in her family, and she was eager to share it with me.

I watched intently as she gathered the ingredients – fresh vegetables, tender chunks of meat, fragrant herbs and spices. She chopped, stirred, and simmered, all the while sharing stories of her grandmother who had taught her the recipe many years ago.

As the dish cooked, the kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering scent of savory goodness. Finally, Anna placed a steaming bowl of Vijfschaft in front of me. I took a hesitant bite, unsure of what to expect.

The flavors exploded in my mouth – a perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a hint of spice that lingered on my tongue. I was hooked. From that moment on, I knew that Vijfschaft would become a staple in my own kitchen.

I begged Anna to teach me the recipe, and she graciously agreed. We spent the rest of the afternoon cooking together, laughing and chatting as we stirred pots and tasted samples. By the time I left that evening, I had a handwritten copy of the recipe in my pocket and a heart full of gratitude.

Over the years, I have made Vijfschaft countless times, each time tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who always ask for seconds and beg for the recipe. I have even entered it in cooking competitions, where it has won me accolades and prizes.

But no matter how many times I make Vijfschaft, it always brings me back to that sunny afternoon in Anna's kitchen. It reminds me of the joy of learning something new, of the pleasure of sharing a meal with loved ones, of the simple, timeless pleasure of good food.

And so, whenever I make Vijfschaft, I think of Anna and her grandmother, of the laughter and camaraderie we shared that day. I am grateful for their generosity in sharing their recipe with me, and I am proud to carry on the tradition in my own kitchen.

Vijfschaft is more than just a recipe to me – it is a reminder of the importance of passing down traditions, of sharing knowledge and love through food. It is a connection to my past and a bridge to my future. And most of all, it is a delicious, comforting dish that brings joy to all who taste it.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a little comfort and warmth, why not give Vijfschaft a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass the recipe down to someone you love, just as Anna did for me.