Bitterballen with Mustard (Egg-Free)
A classic Dutch snack! Creamy, savory meatballs, breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection. This version uses a flaxseed slurry to replace egg.
Ingredients
- about 450 g Beef chuck, ground
- 1.5 cups Beef broth
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Flaxseed meal
- 6 tbsp Water
- 2 cups Breadcrumbs
- 3 cups Vegetable oil, for frying
- 0 Mustard, for serving
Original measure retained: its cup/spoon or fluid-volume standard is unspecified.
Instructions
- 1In a large heavy-bottomed pot, cook the about 450 g of ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned all over. Drain off any excess fat from the pot.
- 2Pour the 1.5 cups of beef broth into the pot with the beef. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 3While the beef mixture simmers, melt the 4 tbsp of butter in a separate medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes to create a smooth paste, known as a roux. Gradually whisk the hot roux into the simmering beef broth mixture until the liquid is smooth and begins to thicken.
- 4Stir the 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion, 2 tbsp of chopped parsley, 1/4 tsp of nutmeg, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper into the thickened beef mixture. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tbsp of flaxseed meal with the 6 tbsp of water and stir well; let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it forms a gel. Add the flaxseed gel to the beef mixture and stir thoroughly to combine everything. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to handle.
- 5Once the mixture is completely cooled and firm, use your hands to roll it into small balls, about 2.54 cm in diameter. Place the 2 cups of breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and roll each beef ball in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure each ball is fully coated.
- 6In a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the 3 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 175°C. Carefully add the breaded bitterballen to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the bitterballen for 2-3 minutes per batch, or until they are a deep golden brown and appear crispy.
- 7Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried bitterballen from the hot oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the hot bitterballen immediately with the 0 mustard for dipping.
Substitutions
Egg → Flaxseed meal + water
Mix flaxseed meal with water and let sit to create a binding gel.
Allergy Disclaimer — Safe Plated Pte. Ltd.
This content is AI-generated by Safe Plated and is not medical advice. AI can make errors and may miss allergens or cross-contamination risks. Always read physical ingredient labels and verify allergen safety independently before preparing or consuming any food. Consult your allergist for guidance specific to your situation.
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