This popular Belgian dish known as boulets liégeoise consists of beef and pork meatballs that are simmered in a gravy made with onions, flour, beef broth, and sirop de Liége. Sultanas are often added to the meatballs, and there are other versions of these meatballs as well - with cherries in Flanders, or with tomato sauce, mushrooms, and Madeira wine.
The dish is traditionally served with pommes frites, light salads, and a big glass of Belgian beer.
MOST ICONIC Boulets sauce lapin à la Liègeoise
View moreDelicious and fragrant waffles are the most famous Belgian culinary trademark. Made with thick dough or thin batter, the cakes are baked in a specially designed waffle iron which creates an unusual checkered pattern on the top and bottom of each cake.
In Belgium, there are two distinct varieties of this national dessert: the light Brussels waffle, and the denser Liege waffle. The key distinction is in the batter: while the Brussels waffle batter is thin and runny, the Liege variety is made with a thick, brioche-like dough which produces a cake with uneven edges and dense texture.
MOST ICONIC Gaufre
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Liège waffles are one of the two most popular waffle varieties in Belgium. These unevenly shaped, chewy treats are made with a thick, brioche-like dough which is sweetened with pearl sugar and baked in a specially-designed waffle pan. During the baking process, the pearl sugar melts and gives the waffles a unique caramel flavor.
Although the origin of Liège waffles is somewhat vague, it is believed they were influenced by French culinary traditions and made famous by the skillful Liège bakers. In Liège, these waffles are usually enjoyed plain, but they can also be topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, chocolate, or various fruits.
MOST ICONIC Liège Waffle
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Although it is sometimes confused with a steak due to its unusual name, filet Américain is a spread made with raw beef. This popular dish is a close cousin to the more famous steak tartare, but the difference is that filet Américain uses meat which has been minced in a meat grinder.
Only lean and premium beef cuts are used in this Belgian classic, and because the meat is served raw, it should be as fresh as possible. When the meat is ground, it is usually generously seasoned and enriched with onions, capers, mustard, mayonnaise, raw eggs, tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce, which also help in holding the spread together.