Delicious and Authentic Kapsalon Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of boneless chicken breast
2 tablespoons of shawarma spices
1 tablespoon of olive oil
4 medium-sized russet potatoes
Salt to taste
2 cups of shredded Gouda cheese
1 large green bell pepper, sliced
1 large red onion, sliced
1 large tomato, diced
1 cup of shredded lettuce
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar
1 cucumber, sliced
1 large carrot, grated

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit).
Cut the potatoes into fries, place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for about 30 minutes or until crispy.
While the fries are baking, cut the chicken into thin strips, season with shawarma spices, and sauté in a pan with olive oil until fully cooked.
Place the cooked fries in a baking dish, and distribute the cooked chicken strips evenly on top.
Add the sliced green bell pepper, sliced red onion, and diced tomato on top of the chicken.
Spread the shredded Gouda cheese evenly on top of the vegetables and chicken. Place the dish back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.
While the dish is baking, prepare the garlic sauce by combining the minced garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and white vinegar in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
Once the cheese is melted, remove the dish from the oven and top with shredded lettuce, sliced cucumber, and grated carrot.
Drizzle the garlic sauce over the top of the dish before serving.

Tools for making

Baking sheet - Used to bake the potato fries.
Pan - Used to sauté the chicken.
Baking dish - Used to assemble and bake the kapsalon.
Knife - Used to cut the chicken, potatoes, and vegetables.
Cutting board - Used as a surface for cutting ingredients.
Grater - Used to grate the carrot.
Measuring spoons - Used to measure spices and other ingredients accurately.
Mixing bowl - Used to prepare the garlic sauce.
Whisk or spoon - Used to mix the ingredients for the garlic sauce.
Oven - Used to bake the fries and melt the cheese.

Recipe variations

Swap the chicken with thinly sliced beef or lamb for a different meat option.
Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Try using sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a twist on the fries.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta.
Add some sliced jalapenos or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Include additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or olives.
Serve with a side of pita bread or naan for dipping.
For a healthier option, bake the fries instead of frying them.
Customize the garlic sauce by adding herbs like dill, parsley, or mint.

Recipe overview

Kapsalon is a popular Dutch dish that originated in Rotterdam and is now enjoyed worldwide. It's a satisfying mix of crispy fries, seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, all topped with a delightful garlic sauce. This comfort food is perfect for a hearty dinner or a late-night snack. In this recipe, we will guide you step-by-step on how to make your own Kapsalon at home. You'll start by baking your own fries and sautéing chicken with shawarma spices. Then you'll layer these with vegetables and cheese and bake until it's all gooey and bubbly. To finish, you'll top the dish with crisp, fresh salad and a tangy garlic sauce. This recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and might just become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use beef or lamb instead of chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I use as a substitute for shawarma spices?
If you don't have shawarma spices, you can make a homemade blend using a combination of cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, and ground coriander.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Gouda cheese is traditionally used in kapsalon, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with falafel or grilled vegetables.
Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your kapsalon by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or olives according to your preference.
Can I use frozen fries instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use frozen fries if you prefer. Just follow the package instructions for baking or frying them before assembling the kapsalon.
Is there a spicy version of kapsalon?
If you enjoy spicy flavors, you can add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the shawarma spices or incorporate hot sauce or chili paste into the garlic sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking sheet - Used to bake the potato fries.
Pan - Used to sauté the chicken strips.
Baking dish - Used to assemble and bake the kapsalon.
Bowl - Used to mix the garlic sauce.
Whisk or spoon - Used to mix the garlic sauce ingredients.
Knife - Used to cut the chicken, potatoes, vegetables, and garnishes.
Cutting board - Used as a surface for cutting ingredients.
Grater - Used to grate the carrot.

Origin stories

Kapsalon, a popular Dutch fast food dish, has an interesting origin story. It was first created in 2003 in Rotterdam by a hairdresser named Nathaniël Gomes. Gomes, who hailed from Cape Verde, regularly ordered his food from the Shawarma shop El Aviva. Each time, he would ask for a dish composed of his favorite ingredients: chicken, fries, cheese, and salad, all topped with garlic sauce. The shop owner began referring to this specific order as "Kapsalon," which means "hairdressing salon" in Dutch. Soon, it became popular amongst other customers and turned into a standard menu item, not just in El Aviva, but also in Shawarma shops across the Netherlands. In this way, the dish named after a hairdressing salon, with a rich blend of flavors, has become a beloved comfort food in Dutch cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.