Zuurkoolschotel

One of my favorite dishes growing up in Holland was "zuurkoolschotel." I still ask mom to cook it everytime I come home. Now she sent me the recipe and I cooked my favorite dish for my Japanese friends. That's sauerkraut, ground beef, onions, garlic and mashed potatoes cooked and layered and finished in the oven. It is a hearty, tasty meal and I was curious if Kaz and Noriko would like it. Well, they ate like they hadn't eaten for a week, starting with a small portion at first but then taking seconds and thirds. They mentioned that the flavors are actually similar to what they eat in Japan. Also, the Maggi I put on the table turns out to be a household item there too! How funny. Anyway, it is such a pleasure to have Kaz and Noriko over that they are coming by for some Boerenkool tonight.

Zuurkoolschotel following mom's recipe. When I googled the dish I found various variations, but I don't think those would be as good as this plainer dish. (Google showed me one example that adds Ketjap and sambal, for example.)