Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cooked and shredded beef
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the beef broth and milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
5. Add the shredded beef, onion, celery, carrot, mushrooms, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until well combined.
6. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
7. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes.
8. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
9. Dip each ball into the beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
10. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
12. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 20-24 bitterballen
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 90
Total fat: 4g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 170mg
Total carbohydrates: 9g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of beef broth, you can use chicken or vegetable broth.
- Instead of shredded beef, you can use ground beef, chicken, or turkey.
- Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use panko or crushed crackers.
Variations:
- You can add different herbs and spices to the mixture, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
- You can use different vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.
- You can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and omitting the meat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the mixture is completely cooled before rolling into balls, otherwise it will be difficult to handle.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
- If the mixture is too dry, add more broth or milk.
- To make the bitterballen extra crispy, you can spray them with cooking spray before baking.
Storage instructions:
- Store the baked bitterballen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, place the unbaked bitterballen on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the baked bitterballen, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked bitterballen on a platter with a dipping sauce, such as mustard or aioli.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- French fries
- Salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bitterballen are not crispy enough, bake for a few more minutes or broil for a minute or two.
- If the bitterballen are falling apart, the mixture may be too wet. Add more breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meat is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the mixture.
- Wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.
Food history:
- Bitterballen are a popular Dutch snack, traditionally served with mustard.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory
- Meaty
- Crispy
- Creamy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack.
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Region: Dutch