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:

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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- 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.
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 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.
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!