Dutch Bitterballen Bite Size Veal Croquettes Recipe Martha

DUTCH 'BITTERBALLEN' : BITE-SIZE VEAL CROQUETTES

Steps:

• in a pan put meat, bouquet garni and beef stock slowly to the boil and simmer for about 1 hour until meat is tender.
• Strain off 200 ml stock into a measuring jug.
• Slice the cooked meat very thinly.
• Melt the butter in a pan and stir in the flour.
• Add the stock, while stirring, and continue stirring until the sauce is thick and smooth.
• Leave the sauce to cook gently for about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the meat and add salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste.
• Pour the ragout onto a flat plate and refrigerate until firm.
• (Best to make this one day in advance) In a deep plate beat the eggs with one tablespoon of water.
• Shape the ragout into 24 balls (Little bit smaller than golfball) and roll in the breadcrumbs.
• Then roll in the beaten eggs and breadcrumbs again.
• Repeat until well coated.
• Heat oil in a deep fat fryer to 180 degrees celcius.
• Deep fry croquettes 6 at the time for 3-4 minutes until brown and crisp.
• Drain on paper towel.
• Serve the warm'bitterballen' on a plate with a serving of mustard next to it.

DUTCH MEATBALLS (BITTERBALLEN)

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add broth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Carefully add meat and parsley; cook and stir for 2-5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Stir in the salt, nutmeg and pepper. Transfer to a bowl; refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until chilled., Place bread crumbs in a small shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and oil. Drop meat mixture by tablespoonfuls into bread crumbs; shape into balls. Dip meatballs in egg mixture, then coat again with crumbs. In an electric skillet or a deep fryer, heat oil to 375°., Fry meatballs, a few at a time, for 2-4 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with mustard if desired.

DUTCH CROQUETTEN

Steps:

• Place ground veal in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring to crumble, until evenly browned. Set aside.
• Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour until smooth, and cook for about 2 minutes. Gradually stir in milk, then chicken broth to make a smooth thick sauce. Add the cooked ground veal, and season with paprika, chili powder, curry powder, salt, pepper , Worcestershire sauce, and parsley. Stir to blend well. Remove from heat, and set aside to cool to room temperature.
• When the meat mixture is cooled and slightly firm, shape into cylinders 3 to 4 inches long, and 1 1 /2 inches wide. If you wish, press a strip of the spiced Gouda cheese into the center, making sure it is completely surrounded. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Place bread crumbs on a plate or tray. Coat croquettes with flour, then dip in the beaten egg mixture, then roll the croquettes in the crumbs to coat. Repeat the coating process if a thicker breading is desired.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, fry croquettes until golden brown on all sides. If you have a deep-fryer, they can be deep-fried instead. Remove to paper towels to drain, and serve hot.