Golden Dutch Bitterballen: Crispy Veal Croquettes Recipe

Dutch Bitterballen: Bite-size Veal Croquettes 🇳🇱

Overview:

Dutch Bitterballen, bite-size veal croquettes, are a quintessential Dutch snack often enjoyed alongside a refreshing drink at bars, making them akin to Dutch ‘Tapas’! These savory delights are perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially when you’re craving something indulgent and flavorful.

• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes
• Servings: 24 croquettes

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat:

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   • In a pan, combine the veal, bouquet garni, and beef stock.
   • Slowly bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour until the meat is tender.
   • Strain off 200ml of stock into a measuring jug.
   • Slice the cooked meat thinly.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • Melt the butter in a pan and stir in the flour.
   • Gradually add the reserved stock, stirring continuously, until the sauce is thick and smooth.
   • Let the sauce cook gently for about 2 minutes.
   • Stir in the sliced meat and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
   • Pour the ragout onto a flat plate and refrigerate until firm. (It’s best to make this a day in advance.)

3. Prepare the Coating:

   • In a deep plate, beat the eggs with one tablespoon of water.
   • Shape the chilled ragout into 24 balls, slightly smaller than a golf ball.
   • Roll each ball in breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
   • Dip each ball into the beaten eggs and breadcrumbs again, repeating until well coated.

4. Fry the Bitterballen:

   • Heat oil in a deep-fat fryer to 180°C (350°F).
   • Carefully add the croquettes in batches of 6 and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
   • Use a slotted spoon to remove the croquettes from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Arrange the warm Bitterballen on a serving plate.
   • Serve alongside French mustard for dipping.
   • Enjoy these delicious bite-size croquettes as a delightful snack or appetizer with your favorite beverage.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 48.1 kcal
• Fat: 2.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 115.1mg
• Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Sugar: 0.3g
• Protein: 3g

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the meat mixture.
• To make ahead, you can prepare the ragout and shape the croquettes in advance. Just fry them when ready to serve.
• If you don’t have a deep-fat fryer, you can also shallow fry the croquettes in a pan with enough oil to cover them halfway, flipping halfway through cooking.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces like aioli or spicy mayo for a fun twist on the classic pairing.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Dutch Bitterballen, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a taste of Dutch cuisine. With its crispy exterior and creamy, flavorful interior, these bite-size croquettes are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!