itsmepat
Novice Foodie
I recently made Dutch Bitterballen, and they were a huge hit! These crispy, bite-sized beef croquettes are a beloved Dutch snack, perfect for serving at parties or as an appetizer. Here’s how you can make them at home:
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1/2 lb (225g) beef stew meat or ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it is soft and translucent.
- Add the beef to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through. If using stew meat, you may need to cook it longer until tender.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat and onion mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
- Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens to a thick paste.
- Season with ground nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Stir in the chopped parsley if using.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is completely chilled and firm.
2. Shape and Bread the Bitterballen:
- Once the filling is chilled, use a spoon to scoop out small portions and roll them into 1-inch balls.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs.
- Roll each meatball first in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is evenly coated at each step.
- Place the breaded balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Fry the Bitterballen:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the breaded meatballs to the hot oil in batches, frying them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bitterballen from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Serve:
- Serve the bitterballen hot, with mustard for dipping. They are perfect as an appetizer or a party snack.
Conclusion
Dutch Bitterballen are a delicious and satisfying treat that’s sure to impress your guests. The crispy exterior and savory, creamy interior make them irresistible. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of the Netherlands right at home!
