Fireline Casserole Hoge Venen
Based on:
The wildfire in the Belgian Ardennes is still expanding. At least 3000 hectares of the Hoge Venen nature reserve have now been destroyed. It is considered the largest wildfire in Belgian history.
TypeMain course
DateAugust 16, 2026
Casserole with crispy cheese crust as a nod to the burnt Ardennes.
A steaming oven casserole with potato, leek, bacon, and melted cheese. Comfort food inspired by the smoldering peatlands of the Ardennes. The dark, crispy cheese crust subtly nods to the charred landscape, while the warm inside offers hope for recovery.
Ingredients
- 800 g floury potatoes
- 2 leeks
- 150 g smoked bacon cubes
- 200 g grated cheese (mild)
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 1 onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Peel and slice the potatoes thinly, parboil for 8 minutes.
- Slice the leeks, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Fry the bacon cubes in a pan. Add onion, garlic, and leek, sauté for 5 minutes.
- Grease a baking dish with butter. Layer half the potatoes on the bottom.
- Spread the leek-bacon mixture over, sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Top with the remaining potatoes.
- Pour over the cream and generously cover with grated cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes in the middle of the oven until the top is golden and crispy.
Serving notes
- Serve with a green salad for a touch of hope.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika powder as a symbolic ash layer.