What Do the Netherlands Eat on Christmas?
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration all around the world, and the Netherlands is no exception. Like many other countries, the Dutch have their own unique culinary traditions when it comes to this festive holiday. From delicious sweets to hearty main courses, let’s explore what the Netherlands eat on Christmas and how they celebrate this special occasion.
1. Gourmetten
One popular Dutch Christmas tradition is gourmetten. This involves everyone gathering around a small grill or hotplate at the dining table and cooking their own bite-sized portions of meat, fish, and vegetables. It is a fun, interactive way to enjoy a meal together and is often accompanied by various sauces, bread, and salads.
2. Kerststol
A delicious sweet bread called kerststol is a staple of Dutch Christmas celebrations. It is a rich, fruity bread filled with almond paste and often topped with powdered sugar. The kerststol is typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack during the Christmas season.
3. Oliebollen
Oliebollen, meaning “oil balls,” are deep-fried doughnuts traditionally eaten in the Netherlands during the Christmas period. These sweet treats are made with a yeast-based dough, often containing raisins or currants, and are dusted with powdered sugar. Oliebollen are commonly enjoyed during New Year’s Eve as well.
4. Gemberkoek
Gemberkoek, or gingerbread, is another Christmas delight in the Netherlands. This spiced cake, typically made with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, is often shaped into festive figures such as Santa Claus or reindeer. Gemberkoek is a popular treat to enjoy during the holiday season, especially with a cup of warm tea.
5. Boerenkool
Boerenkool, a traditional Dutch dish made with kale and mashed potatoes, is a favorite winter meal often enjoyed on Christmas in the Netherlands. It is typically served with smoked sausage and gravy, providing a comforting and hearty meal during the festive season.
6. Hertenstoofpot
Hertenstoofpot, or venison stew, is a popular choice for a Christmas main course in the Netherlands. This slow-cooked dish, made with tender venison, red wine, and various spices, is a rich and flavorful option that warms both body and soul during the chilly winter months.
7. Appelbeignets
Appelbeignets, similar to apple fritters, are a popular Dutch Christmas dessert. Slices of apple are dipped in a sweet batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. These delightful treats are often served warm and dusted with powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Is there a traditional Christmas dinner in the Netherlands?
While there is no specific traditional Christmas dinner in the Netherlands, many Dutch families enjoy gourmetten or opt for a more elaborate meal like hertenstoofpot or boerenkool.
2. What are some typical Dutch Christmas drinks?
Gluhwein, a warm spiced wine, and Advocaat, a rich and creamy egg liqueur, are popular Dutch Christmas drinks.
3. Are there any vegetarian options for Dutch Christmas meals?
Yes, there are vegetarian alternatives available for many traditional Dutch Christmas dishes. For example, vegetable-based gourmetten options or vegetarian hertenstoofpot can be enjoyed.
4. Do the Dutch exchange gifts on Christmas?
Yes, gift-giving is a common tradition in the Netherlands during Christmas. Presents are often exchanged on either Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.
5. Are there any specific Dutch Christmas decorations?
Dutch homes are often adorned with festive lights, wreaths, and Christmas trees during the holiday season. Some households also display miniature villages or nativity scenes.
6. Are there any specific Dutch Christmas customs or rituals?
The Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas on December 5th, a traditional holiday similar to Christmas where children receive presents. Christmas itself is often celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and attending church services.
7. Are there any other traditional Dutch Christmas sweets?
Yes, there are many other traditional Dutch Christmas sweets, including speculaas (spiced cookies), banketstaaf (pastry filled with almond paste), and chocolate letters (large letters made of chocolate, often given as gifts).
In conclusion, the Netherlands has a rich culinary heritage when it comes to Christmas. From the interactive gourmetten experience to the indulgence of sweet treats like oliebollen and kerststol, the Dutch celebrate this holiday with a variety of delicious foods. Whether enjoying a hearty main course like hertenstoofpot or savoring a warm cup of gluhwein, the Netherlands offers a delightful gastronomic experience during the festive season.