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BITTERBALLEN - Dutch Cocktail Croquettes

Recipe submitted by Synergy

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The name bitterbal, literally bitter ball, does not indicate that its taste is bitter. They were originally meant to be served with a bittertje (a small glass of Dutch Jenever, not quite the same as Gin).

Bitterballen are still served in bars to accompany a glass of beer or wine (like Spanish tapas), or served as finger food at stand-up receptions.

Ingredients

4 tbl. butter or margarine
1/4 kg ground beef or veal - veal is prefereable
1/4 cup carrot, finely diced
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
A grating of fresh nutmeg
1 tbl. fresh lemon juice
2 tbl. parsley, finely chopped
5 tbl. flour
1 cup beef broth or milk
For coating
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp. water
For cooking
oil for deep frying

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Method

Heat one tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over moderate heat and cook the meat, carrots, and onions until the meat is browned and the carrots are tender.
Drain the meat in a colander, then place in a mixing bowl. Add the salt, pepper, nutmeg, lemon juice, and parsley and stir to combine. Set the meat mixture aside.
Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over moderate heat and stir in the flour to make a roux. Cook this for 2 to 3 minutes, and then add the beef broth or milk. Continue heating, stirring constantly, until the sauce boils and becomes quite thick.
Combine the sauce with the meat mixture, stirring to combine them thoroughly, and chill this mixture for at least two hours in the refrigerator, until it has become solid.
When the mixture has solidified, roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter, using your hands.
Roll the balls in the bread crumbs, then in the egg and water mixture, then in the bread crumbs again.
Fry a few at a time in a deep fryer with at least 2 inches of oil at 375 degrees until golden (about 2 to 3 minutes).
Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.