Dutch Bitterballen: Bite-size Veal Croquettes π³π±
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:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Veal | 200g |
| Bouquet Garni | 1 |
| Butter | 30g |
| Flour | 30g |
| Nutmeg | To taste |
| Eggs | 2 |
| French Mustard | To serve |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Breadcrumbs | As needed |
| Oil for frying | As needed |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meat:
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- 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.
-
-
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.)
-
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.
-
Fry the Bitterballen:
- Heat oil in a deep-fat fryer to 180Β°C (350Β°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.
-
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!
