What is balken brij?

Balkenbrij is a traditional Dutch dish typically made in the fall and winter months. It is a type of meatloaf made from pork scraps, such as liver and heart, and enriched with buckwheat or rye flour, along with spices and seasonings such as clove, bay leaves, and salt. The mixture is then baked into a meatloaf and sliced into thick hunks.

Balkenbrij is often served for breakfast or lunch alongside slices of bread and mustard. Some people also enjoy it accompanied by cranberry sauce or gravy. It has a unique flavor that is earthy and slightly spicy. While it is not as common as it used to be, it is still enjoyed by many people in various regions of the Netherlands, including those with Dutch roots living in other countries.