Dutch Balls vs Kick-Ass (Kick-off) Meat Balls
Euro 2024 Football Cup is heading for quarter-finals, and my new favourite team, the Netherlands, is doing very well!
Why my new favourite? Well, this is my son's newly adopted country; you could say he's still an infant in the Netherlands, learning about the culture, and the food, of course!
When I was visiting there last year, balls featured on most menus:
- Bitterballen - a thick meat stew is placed in the refrigerator till firm, rolled into small round balls
yes, I know a ball is round, dipped in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried.
And... - Kroketten (Croquettes) - also deep-fried round balls made with tender meat in gravy, and dipped into breadcrumbs.
Did I like these balls?
To be absolutely honest, I was disappointed. They were ok, but not as tasty as South African meatballs!
I was expecting something like our Meat Balls, or 'Frikkadel', which is what I want to share with you today.
These are shaped into balls that are flattened and become patties and are shallow-fried.
Make them big enough, and they become burger patties! Shape them into tiny balls, deep-fry, and you have the perfect party snack!
A Dutch pastry that also is in the shape of a ball is...
- Oliebollen - small doughnuts made with a yeast dough filled with apples and raisins, and dusted with powdered sugar.
Did I like these pastry balls?
Yes, they were so good that I'd finished mine before remembering to take a photo, but I did take a photo of Verwijk's Oliebollen stand where I had my very first taste of this traditional Dutch treat.
Recipe for today - Kick-offAss Meatballs
- 600 gram lean ground Beef (or Lamb if that's your preference)
- 1 Onion, finely diced
- Parsley & Mint, diced
- 150ml rolled Oats
- 1 Egg
- Season to taste - I use powdered Coriander, Cayenne pepper and Salt
Mix all ingredients and shape into balls
Heat a thin layer of oil in a heavy-based pan, and place meatballs in the hot pan.
Flatten the balls with a spatula.
Fry and turn when golden brown to cook the other side of the meatball, which now looks more like a meat pattie:)
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and a green vegetable (Spinach, in this instance, mashed with fried onion and tomato, and a small potato...plustoo muchloads of butter and Cayenne Pepper.)
The Final Score in my eyes
Kick-Ass Meatballs were almost flattened at the start of the battle, but they were on the ball, and rose to the occasion, lifting the trophy for the battle of the balls! in my eyes at least.
Back to where we started, I'm rooting for the Netherlands,
and hope they beat the odds and lift that trophy!
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Hip hoi voor bitterballen!!!!! 😉🙏🎉
😂😂😂
I love going to The Netherlands, mostly because of their really bad and wrong food 😉😂
Haha @borniet, I soon realized they're not known for their cuisine. Here in our country, even coffee shops are very particular about presentation, not so in the Netherlands, but I loved the country. Most of my ancestors hail from there after all. Stroopwafels, poffertjies, oliebollen, pannenkoeken, and apple pastries, yep, all the sweet stuff, I enjoyed. I did like Stamppot, but...ummm...cannot think of anything else🙃
They're through to the Euro2024 semi-finals though!
They’re indeed good in all those sweet and greasy stuff, for which we appreciate their cuisine as well! For the other things, we tend more towards the French cuisine.
Nice to hear the made it so far!!! Normally, after Belgium gets kicked out, most Belgiums cheer for Holland.
Lots of balls in this post. LOL
Those kick ass meatballs with the potatoes and spinach look awesome. I will have to share that with the wife.
Lots of balls are being played in Germany at the moment, the meatballs are very good, and easy😄
I’ve been watching the Euros myself. Some good games this weekend.
It ALL looks good to me. Sometimes it is hard to beat the taste of the food we are used too, when comparing with like food other areas love.
I'm so a non-sports person, not that I have anything against them, just that I have no interest. I would say though, that your reason for rooting for The Netherlands is as good of a reason as any !
Very true, flavours and textures that we're not used to!
I'm not much into sports but used to enjoy watching football with hubby. I don't make enough time now though, so have missed some of my favourite team's matches!
Join the foodie fun! We've given you a FOODIE boost. Come check it out at @foodiesunite for the latest community updates. Spread your gastronomic delights on and claim your tokens.
Thank you so much @sirenahippie and @foodiesunite, it's always lovely coming back into Hive's foodie community😍
And it's always a pleasure to see your great posts in the community. You are super welcome here. Hugs and happy week, dear @lizelle
Today's soccer is a real party and parties go hand in hand with good food. Your preparation looks exquisite. Now let's wait for the results, may the best man win! And let's eat delicious food 😋🤗
Yes, those three go hand in hand!
I agree, may the best man win, that's what sport is all about, right?😀
When I lived in Netherlands I totally love Dutch balls ❤️❤️💕💕💖
My son and his girlfriend loves it, I still have to get used to the flavours, but it was good with that gravy!
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Our taste buds have acclimatized to our indigenous recipes, that could be the reason why I find it very difficult to like recipes from other places. But I think I like your meatballs better and from its yummy look... I'm sure it will taste better!