Dutch ‘Bitterballen’ : Bite-size veal croquettes

May 11, 2023May 11, 20230 0
Bite into a Dutch classic with these delicious Bitterballen veal croquettes
in Appetizer

Prep

60 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

90 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

200 g veal shoulder , cubed
1 bouquet garni
400 ml beef stock
30 g butter
30 g flour
salt and pepper
nutmeg
2 eggs
100 g breadcrumbs
sunflower oil ( for frying )
French mustard

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
285
Sugar
2g
Fat
15g
Bitterballen (Bite-size veal croquettes) are a popular Dutch snack usually served as appetizers in parties or bars. The word “Bitterbal” means bitter ball, which is essentially because this food is often consumed with beer. When ordered in large quantities, this snack is often served in a deep bowl in the center of a table. The meat in Bitterballen is often from the neck, shin, and other cuts of beef, which assures a rich taste. The croquette shell is lightly crispy on the outside and constantly smooth on the inside. Overall, this snack represents one of the Netherlands’ best dishes and a must-have for all lovers of good food.

Instructions

1.In a cooking pot, bring the beef broth, cubed veal, and bouquet garni to a boil.
2.Decrease the heat and let the mixture simmer for an hour or until the meat is tender.
3.Drain the broth and remove the bouquet garni.
4.In a separate pan, melt the butter and stir in the flour until it turns into a paste.
5.Gradually add the broth to the paste, stirring briskly until the mixture becomes thick.
6.Mix in the meat and let the mixture cool down completely.
7.Roll the mixture into small balls.
8.Beat the eggs in a shallow dish and put the breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.
9.Dip the rolled balls into the beaten eggs and then coat them with breadcrumbs.
10.Let the balls rest in the refrigerator for half an hour to firm up.
11.In a deep pan, heat the sunflower oil until it is hot.
12.Fry the balls until they are golden brown all around.
13.Serve with a small bowl of French mustard.

PROS

Bitterballen are a beloved snack in the Netherlands, tasty enough to make mouths water.
Its crunchy exterior and smooth filling is the perfect experience for the taste buds.
These savory bites are the perfect inclusion to any meal or as an appetizer.
Bitterballen are also easy to make at home.

CONS

As with any deep-fried food, Bitterballen are high in fat and calories.
Excessive consumption of this food can lead to health complications such as high cholesterol and blood pressure.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Bitterballen might not be the healthiest food option, they do contain a good dose of protein and vitamins from the veal which gives muscles and tissues the required nourishment. However, people with dietary restrictions or health complications are advised to abstain from consuming this snack.

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