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BITTERBALLEN (DUTCH CROQUETTES)

BITTERBALLEN (DUTCH CROQUETTES)

A beloved delicacy akin to croquettes that's bound to become a favorite. Perfect for serving with a smear of mustard, Bitterballen offers a taste of the Netherlands with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a hearty main course, a side dish, or a warm snack, preparing these Dutch Croquettes promises a delicious culinary adventure.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Servings 30 Bitterballen
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the beef filling

  • 1-1/3 lbs 600 gm soup meat (cubed beef)
  • 4 cups beef stock or water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 onion
  • 4 oz butter
  • 1 cup flour
  • Pepper, salt and nutmeg (optional), to taste

For the crumbed exterior

  • Flour, roughly 1-2 cups
  • 3-4 eggs, slightly beaten
  • Fine bread crumbs, roughly 1-2 cups
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions
 

  • For the beef filling: Cook the soup meat (cubed beef) in the beef stock (or water) with 1 teaspoon salt for about 2-3 hours, until it’s fork tender. Let it cool to room temperature and finely slice the beef (cutting them with kitchen scissors makes this step a breeze). Take 2 cups (500 ml) of stock and set aside.
  • Dice (or mince for a smoother texture) the onion. Make a roux by melting the butter and glazing (browning) the onion for about 2 minutes. Then add the flour all at once and stir on heat until the mixture comes together as a doughy ball. Add the stock, whisk well and let it come to a boil (keep stirring). Cook at a high simmer until the mixture combines fully and forms a smooth, thick paste. Add the cooked soup meat (cubed beef). Add the nutmeg (if using), pepper and salt to taste.
  • Spoon the mixture onto a shallow dish or plate and cover with plastic wrap and allow to cool down for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator (preferably overnight).
  • For the crumbed exterior: Take three regular dessert bowls and fill the first one with flour, the second one with the beaten eggs and the third one with bread crumbs. Have two forks sitting in the egg mixture, and two more forks sitting in the bread crumb mixture (these will help you avoid getting your hands in a sticky mess!).
  • Take a spoon or ice cream scoop and scoop out some filling. Roll the filling in your hands to form a small ball. Place it into the bowl of flour and roll it around until the ball is completely covered. Place the floured ball on a large platter. Repeat this step until all the filling is used.
  • Now, one at a time, put each floured ball into the bowl of beaten egg, using the forks to roll it around. Once covered in egg, pick up the ball with the forks and drop it into the next bowl of bread crumbs, replacing the forks back into the egg mixture. Using the second set of forks, roll each ball through the bread crumbs. Once covered in crumbs, take the ball in your hands and reshape it to ensure the bread crumbs are firmly adhering and the ball is nice and round. You can repeat the breading (crumbing) process if necessary (though I didn’t). Place the completed ball back onto the platter and repeat the steps until all the balls are breaded.
  • Place the platter of breaded croquettes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (cover with plastic wrap if you leave for longer). Heat your deep-fryer to 350°F/180°C (medium heat). Check the temperature by placing a small cube of bread in the heated oil – it should sizzle and brown in a minute or two. Deep fry the bitterballen for about 3 to 4 minutes or until golden-brown. (It pays to cut a croquette in half at this stage and check it’s heated all the way through – if not, cook the balls for a wee bit longer.)
  • Serve immediately with a good dollop of your favourite mustard and a fresh salad. PS: You can eat these cold (bitterballen sandwiches are divine!), but generally they’re eaten hot.

Notes

The cooked croquettes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; otherwise you can freeze them until needed – just let them thaw out in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 108mgPotassium: 17mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 118IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword Bitterballen, Croquettes, Dutch Croquettes
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