Venenbrand Casserole
Based on:
Two German hamlets on the border with Belgium are being evacuated due to the fire in the Hoge Venen nature reserve. These are the villages of Ruitzhof and Geisberg, which belong to the tourist town…
TypeMain course
DateAugust 17, 2026
Oven comfort with a smoky touch, nodding to the Hoge Venen fire.
A comforting oven casserole with smoked chicken, potatoes, leeks and a crispy cheese crust. The smoky flavor nods to the Hoge Venen fire, while the dish brings warmth and comfort for evacuees.
Ingredients
- 600 g potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 2 leeks, sliced into rings
- 200 g smoked chicken breast, diced
- 150 g grated cheese
- 200 ml cooking cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Boil the potato slices for 8 minutes in salted water, drain.
- Sauté the leeks in 1 tbsp butter for 5 minutes, add smoked chicken and briefly fry.
- Grease a baking dish with 1 tbsp butter. Layer half the potatoes, leeks and chicken.
- Sprinkle half the cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Mix cream with smoked paprika, salt and pepper and pour over the dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake for 25 minutes until golden.
Serving notes
- Serve with a sprig of fresh parsley as a hopeful green after the fire.
- Place the dish in the middle: sharing brings comfort.