Bitterballen With Creamy Potato
A classic Dutch snack featuring crispy, golden-fried bites filled with a creamy potato and beef ragout, perfect for parties or as a comforting appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
- 1 cup cooked beef (finely chopped or shredded)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
- 2 eggs (beaten, for coating)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a pan, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.Add flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in beef broth and heavy cream until smooth.Stir in mashed potatoes, cooked beef, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.Once cooled, shape the mixture into small balls (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter).Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bitterballen in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes).Drain on paper towels and serve hot with mustard or dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with mushrooms or a plant-based alternative.
- Ensure the filling is completely cooled before shaping to make it easier to handle.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.