Name: Beef and Pork Bitterballen with Crispy Breadcrumb Crust
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Dutch
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb ground pork; 1 cup beef broth; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs; 2 eggs; oil for frying

Crispy, deep-fried meat croquettes traditionally served as a snack in the Netherlands, featuring a golden, crunchy crust achieved through a unique breadcrumb preparation method.

Method

In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork.
Add onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, nutmeg, and beef broth. Mix well.
Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and chill for 30 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Dip each ball in beaten eggs, then coat with the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bitterballen until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm with mustard or ketchup.
Check that the ground meat reaches 71°C (160°F) throughout before serving.