In the culinary realm, Dutch cuisine boasts a delightful delicacy known as Bitterballen. These bite-sized morsels are irresistible veal croquettes, deep-fried to golden perfection and bursting with savory flavors. Originating from the Netherlands, Bitterballen holds a prominent place in Dutch cuisine, often served as a popular party snack or enjoyed during social gatherings.
Our comprehensive guide presents two delectable variations of Bitterballen, catering to diverse dietary preferences and cooking styles. The classic recipe stays true to the traditional Dutch preparation, using minced veal as the primary ingredient. For those seeking a vegetarian alternative, we offer a delightful recipe showcasing mushrooms as the star ingredient, providing a rich umami flavor profile.
Both recipes provide detailed instructions, ensuring culinary success for home cooks of all skill levels. We guide you through the process of preparing the flavorful fillings, creating the perfect coating, and achieving the ideal frying technique for crispy, golden Bitterballen. Accompanying the recipes, we also share valuable tips and tricks to elevate your Bitterballen-making skills, ensuring they become a hit at your next gathering.
So, prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey as we delve into the art of making Dutch Bitterballen. Whether you prefer the classic veal or the innovative mushroom variation, these bite-sized treats will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this Dutch delicacy, perfectly suited for any occasion.
DUTCH MEATBALLS (BITTERBALLEN)
Steps:
- In a large skillet melt the butter over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted completely, add the 1 cup of flour, a bit at a time, whisking it, it will turn into a thick paste.
- Slowly stir or whisk in the beef broth. Make sure you stir thoroughly, the broth should all be incorporated in the roux. The gravy should be smooth but still quite thick.
- Simmer the gravy for a couple minutes then add the parsley, onion, and ground beef, stir well. Season with the salt, pepper and nutmeg. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a Tupperware container and refrigerate for several hours until the gravy has solidified. I refrigerated mine overnight, but 3 or 4 hours should suffice.
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In 1 plate add the flour, in another plate add the eggs and the last plate the bread crumbs.
- Shape the meat mixture into 1 inch balls. Use a small ice cream scoop, it's easier to get the same quantity of meat each time. Place these meatballs on one of the prepared baking sheets.
- Roll the balls first through flour, then eggs, then finally bread crumbs. Place these meatballs on the other prepared baking sheet. Once completed, place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the fridge until ready to fry.
- In a large Dutch oven, skillet or deep fryer, add enough oil, I usually add about 2 inches of oil. Heat the oil up to 375 F degrees.
- Fry the meatballs about 6 at a time until golden brown, should take about 4 or 5 minutes. If you have enough oil in your fryer the meatballs will float to the top when done. Continue until done with all the meatballs. In between batches you might have to clean the oil with a slotted spoon of all the leftover fried bits from the meatballs.
- Serve hot with a grainy or spicy mustard.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 ball, Calories 50 kcal, Carbohydrate 4 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 17 mg, Sodium 63 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g
DUTCH BEEF BITTERBALLEN
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Place the beef in a large pan with just enough water to cover the meat. Bring it to a simmer. Skim off any foam that forms.
- Add the onion, peppercorns, bay leaf, cloves, and thyme.
- Bring back to a boil, reduce the heat, and let simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender. Remove from the heat and allow to cool off.
- Strain the meat, reserving the cooking liquid. Discard the onion and herbs.
- When the meat is cool, cut it into small cubes. Set aside.
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a large skillet, make a roux . Melt the butter and add the shallots and flour, stirring vigorously.
- Add the milk to the skillet. Stir well and add 2 cups of the reserved beef cooking liquid.
- Let the mixture come to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Dissolve the gelatin in the cold water and add it to the simmering mixture, stirring regularly.
- Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Add the chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, and the diced beef, mixing well.
- When the pot is cool enough, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or chill for at least 4 to 6 hours.
- Gather the ingredients.
- Roll heaping teaspoons of the chilled beef mixture into neat, even-sized balls; the mixture should make about 60 in total.
- Bread them twice by first rolling each ball in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and then in the breadcrumbs. Dip each breaded ball again in the eggs and roll for the second time in the breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet.
- Heat the oil to 356 F/180 C in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer.
- Fry the bitterballen in batches until golden.
- Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve them hot with Dijon mustard on the side.
- Enjoy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 583 kcal, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 28 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 289 mg, Sugar 4 g, Fat 51 g, ServingSize 60 bitterballen (20 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
DUTCH KROKETTEN (CROQUETTES)
Another way to prepare Dutch Meat Croquettes other than with fresh breadcrumbs or potato. Equally delicious! If you make these into little crumbed balls (called bitterballen), you can eat them, dipped in mustard, as an appetiser with pre-dinner drinks.
Provided by Daydream
Categories Meat
Time 1h
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- If using left-over chicken or turkey, chop it finely and set aside. Continue with the recipe from Step 3, using stock to make the sauce rather than water, and add the chicken or turkey to the sauce at Step 6.
- If using veal or beef, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place a large pan over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the veal or beef, wine, onion, clove, bay leaves, nutmeg or mace, parsley, thyme, lemon zest or juice and water. (Use chicken stock if you have chosen to use chicken or turkey.) Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. By this time the meat should be tender (or if using poultry, the stock will be bursting with flavor).
- Strain the stock and reserve, along with the meat. Finely chop or cut the meat into into small pieces.
- Melt the remaining butter in the pan, stir in the flour and keep stirring for a few minutes on low heat. Don't let it brown. Slowly and gradually add the stock and cook over moderate heat, stirring until the sauce is smooth and thick. Add more flour, or corn starch to thicken the sauce if necessary. Cool slightly and add the 3 egg yolks and mix well (reserve the whites for later).
- Add the veal, beef, chicken or turkey, mix well and season to taste. The mixture should be thick and stiff by this time.
- Set the mixture aside to cool thoroughly. When ready, cut or separate the stiff, thick mixture into rolls about 1.5" thick and about 3" long.
- Spread the crumbs on a clean, dry chopping board. Slightly beat the eggwhites in a deep plate until just incorporated. Roll the croquettes through the breadcrumbs, then through the egg whites and again through the crumbs. (Make sure that the second coating of crumbs is even and thick and no meat mix sticks out, otherwise the croquettes may burst when being deep fried).
- Deep fry the croquettes in batches of four or five for about 4 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper.
- Serve hot, with French fries or fresh chunks of bread. The best way to season is to slather with mustard, as the Dutch do!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 958.3, Fat 39.5, SaturatedFat 17.3, Cholesterol 319.3, Sodium 1122.9, Carbohydrate 88.3, Fiber 5.6, Sugar 8, Protein 53.5
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the bitterballen will be. Look for fresh, flavorful veal, and use a good-quality breadcrumb.
- Season the meat mixture well: Don't be afraid to add plenty of salt, pepper, and nutmeg. This will help to give the bitterballen a delicious flavor.
- Be patient when shaping the bitterballen: It takes a little time to shape the bitterballen, but it's worth it. Make sure to handle the meat mixture gently, and don't overwork it.
- Fry the bitterballen until they are golden brown: This will ensure that they are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.
- Serve the bitterballen with your favorite dipping sauce: Mustard, mayonnaise, or ketchup are all popular choices.
Conclusion:
Dutch bitterballen are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful veal filling, these little croquettes are sure to be a hit with your guests. So next time you're looking for a party snack, give bitterballen a try. You won't be disappointed.
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