Gourmetting: a timeless tradition

Gourmetting has been a popular Christmas tradition in the Netherlands since the 1970s. Its widespread popularity began with a successful promotional campaign by the Meat Information Office and the Butchers Guild. Today, more than half of Dutch families still choose gourmetting for their Christmas feast. While the trend toward eating less meat and more plant-based alternatives has gained momentum, it hasn’t slowed the demand for gourmetting. In fact, many people now incorporate meat substitutes alongside traditional meats and seafood, making it a more inclusive option for various dietary preferences.

What are the essentials for gourmetting?

A successful gourmet meal starts with a quality gourmet set. If your old set has seen better days, the Christmas season is the perfect time to invest in a new one. Retailers offer a wide range of options during the holidays, with plenty of deals to choose from. Once you’ve secured your gourmet set, it’s all about preparation. While gourmetting is known for its simplicity, a little planning goes a long way.

Ensure you have the following essentials:

• Olive oil or butter for grilling.
• Spices and a variety of sauces to add flavor.
• A selection of meats, fish, poultry, and meat substitutes to cater to everyone’s taste.
• A spread of vegetables, bread, and even eggs or pancake batter to offer variety.

Having a well-rounded selection of ingredients ensures that your guests can enjoy a diverse and satisfying meal.

How much meat, fish, or plant-based alternatives do you need per person?

Once you’ve decided to host a gourmet dinner, you may wonder how much meat, fish, or plant-based substitutes you should serve. While side dishes like bread, fries, vegetables, and pancakes are a great addition, the star of the show remains the protein. Here’s a general guide:

• For adults, aim for 400 to 450 grams of meat, fish, or meat substitutes per person.
• For bigger appetites, you may want to increase that to 500 to 600 grams.
• For children, around 250 to 300 grams is usually sufficient.

Where does gourmetting originate?

Though many think of gourmetting as a Dutch tradition, its roots actually trace back to South Korea. The concept of cooking small portions of food at the table became popular in the Netherlands during the 1970s and 1980s, quickly establishing itself as a favorite holiday meal. The interactive nature of gourmetting, where everyone can prepare their own food, contributes to its continued popularity. Families and friends can spend hours at the table, chatting and enjoying the experience together.

The versatility of gourmetting

One of the best things about gourmetting is its flexibility. You can cook almost anything on a gourmet set—meats, fish, vegetables, and even snacks. And it doesn’t stop there; you can finish the meal with a delicious dessert cooked right on the set. This versatility makes gourmetting suitable for anyone, regardless of culinary skill or personal preferences.

Whether you love a traditional steak or prefer plant-based burgers, gourmetting offers something for everyone. It’s a fun and relaxed way to bring people together over a shared love of food. Young and old alike can participate, making it an enjoyable experience for families, friends, and even office gatherings. If you’re looking for a festive meal that encourages interaction and offers plenty of options, gourmetting is the way to go.

Tackling odors and keeping your home fresh

One downside of gourmetting, especially when it’s done indoors, is the lingering smell of grilled food. However, there are simple ways to manage this. Ventilation is key to preventing your home from being overwhelmed by cooking odors. Make sure to open windows or use an exhaust fan to keep the air circulating. The smell of smoke and oil can irritate the eyes, mainly because of the fine particles released into the air, so proper ventilation is a must. Additionally, you can use natural solutions to neutralize lingering odors:

• Vinegar is great for absorbing bad smells, while lemons can leave a refreshing scent. Bring a pot of vinegar with lemon slices to a boil and let it simmer on low heat for an hour without a lid. For larger spaces or the rest of your home, place small bowls of vinegar on radiators to keep bad smells at bay. Candles and incense can also help neutralize unwanted odors, leaving your home smelling clean and fresh.

The future of gourmetting: More than just meat

As more people become health-conscious or adopt plant-based diets, gourmetting has evolved to include a wide variety of meat substitutes. Supermarkets now offer an impressive array of plant-based gourmet options like veggie burgers, vegan sausages, and even plant-based seafood. This allows everyone at the table to participate, regardless of their dietary preferences. So, whether you’re a meat lover or a vegan, gourmetting offers endless possibilities.

Why gourmetting will always be a holiday staple

Gourmetting has remained a Christmas favorite for decades, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Its ability to bring people together in a fun, interactive way makes it more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The ease of preparation, the variety of options, and the nostalgic tradition all contribute to its lasting appeal. Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting a holiday gathering with friends, gourmetting is the perfect choice for a festive and enjoyable meal.