Dutch Jachtschotel Recipe

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or pork, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef or pork, thinly sliced
• 2 onions, thinly sliced 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 200g (7 oz) peas 200g (7 oz) peas
• 1 kg (2.2 lb) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 1 kg (2.2 lb) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 200g (7 oz) grated cheese (such as Gouda or Edam) 200g (7 oz) grated cheese (such as Gouda or Edam)
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugars: 6g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and carrots, and sauté until caramelized and softened.
3. 3.
   Add the thinly sliced beef or pork to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. 4.
   In a separate pot, boil the potatoes until tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   In a greased ovenproof dish, layer the cooked meat and vegetable mixture. Spread the peas evenly over the meat.
6. 6.
   Top the dish with the mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly to cover the entire surface.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the grated cheese over the mashed potatoes, creating a generous layer.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef or pork — For the best results, choose lean cuts of meat and slice them thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Potatoes — Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for creamy mashed potatoes.
• Cheese — Opt for a good-quality Gouda or Edam cheese for a deliciously melty and flavorful topping.

Tips & Tricks

• To add extra flavor, you can marinate the meat in a mixture of red wine, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the dish for added variety.
• For a crispy top, broil the Jachtschotel for a couple of minutes after baking until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.
• Serve the Jachtschotel with a side of tangy pickles or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Serving advice

Serve the Jachtschotel hot, straight from the oven, as the melted cheese will be at its best. Cut it into portions and plate it with a generous scoop of the creamy mashed potatoes, ensuring each serving has a layer of meat, vegetables, and cheese. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for a touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, use an ovenproof dish that can be brought straight to the table. The layers of meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes should be clearly visible, with the golden melted cheese on top. Serve it alongside a rustic wooden spoon or spatula for a cozy and inviting look.