Bitterballen facts for kids
Bitterballen are usually served with mustard.
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| Course | Snack |
|---|---|
| Place of origin |  Netherlands |
| Region or state | Northwestern Europe |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Beef or veal (minced or chopped), beef broth, butter, flour for thickening, parsley, salt and pepper |
Bitterballen are a popular Dutch snack. They are tasty, bite-sized balls made from a thick, creamy meat stew. This stew is made with beef or veal, thickened with a special mix of butter and flour called a roux. After the stew cools down and becomes firm, it's rolled into small balls. These balls are then covered in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until they are golden and crispy.
Common seasonings for the stew include onions, salt, pepper, parsley, and nutmeg. Sometimes, people add curry powder or finely chopped vegetables like carrots for different flavors.
What's in a Name?
The name bitterbal comes from a Dutch word, bitter, which refers to certain types of herbal drinks. Even though bitterballen don't taste bitter, they are often served with these drinks.
They are a common part of a bittergarnituur. This is a selection of savory snacks served with drinks at pubs or parties in the Netherlands.
Bitterballen and Croquettes
Bitterballen are very similar to another popular Dutch snack called a croquette (kroketten in Dutch). They use similar ingredients and are made in much the same way. They also taste alike. The main difference is their shape: bitterballen are round balls, while kroketten are larger and shaped like an oblong sausage.
How They Are Made
To make bitterballen, the ingredients for the stew are cooked together until they form a very thick mixture. This mixture is then put in the refrigerator to cool down and become firm.
Once the mixture is firm, it's rolled into small balls, usually about 3 to 4 centimeters (1.2 to 1.6 inches) wide. These balls are then dipped in an egg and breadcrumb mixture, and finally, they are deep-fried until they are crispy and golden brown.
Bitterballen are usually served hot. People often eat them with a small bowl of mustard for dipping. You can find bitterballen not only in the Netherlands but also in places like Suriname, the Netherlands Antilles, Belgium, Bonaire, and even in Indonesia.
See also
In Spanish: Bitterballen para niños
