Traditional Dutch Gehaktballen
Indulge in the rich flavors of Traditional Dutch Gehaktballen, a beloved comfort food in the Netherlands. These savory meatballs are crafted using a blend of lean ground beef, fresh onion, and savory spices that create a delightful dining experience. Paired with a luscious gravy made from beef stock or water and a hint of ketjap manis, these meatballs are perfect for any occasion. Serve them alongside crispy home fries and a generous side of mayonnaise for a truly authentic Dutch meal that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
4
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean ground beef
1 cup (raw)
Egg
1 (beaten)
White bread
2 slices (crusts removed, soaked in milk)
Onion
1 small (minced)
Salt
1.5 teaspoons (to taste)
Curry powder
0.5 teaspoon (ground)
Mace
0.5 teaspoon (ground)
Pepper
0.5 teaspoon (ground)
Butter
3 tablespoons (for frying)
Water or Beef stock
0.5 cup (for gravy)
Ketjap manis or Maggi seasoning
to taste (for flavor)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, egg, minced onion, and spices, including salt, curry powder, mace, and pepper. Add the crustless white bread after soaking it in a bit of milk and pressing out the excess liquid.
2
Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined, then shape the mixture into 4 to 6 individual meatballs.
3
Cover the formed meatballs with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help them firm up.
4
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat and carefully add the meatballs. Brown them for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5
Once browned, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the meatballs for an additional 15 minutes, continuing to turn them for consistent cooking.
6
After cooking, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside. Pour in the water or beef stock to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
7
Bring the liquid to a high simmer, and add a splash of ketjap manis or Maggi seasoning to taste. Stir to combine and let the gravy thicken slightly.
8
Serve the meatballs with the gravy poured over them alongside crispy home fries and a side of mayonnaise.
Nutrition Information
9.5g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
8.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Traditional Dutch Gehaktballen?
Traditional Dutch Gehaktballen are savory meatballs that serve as a beloved comfort food in the Netherlands, typically served with gravy.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one cup of lean ground beef as the primary meat source.
How do I prepare the bread for the meatball mixture?
You should remove the crusts from two slices of white bread, soak them in a small amount of milk, and then press out the excess liquid before adding to the beef.
What spices are required for Dutch Gehaktballen?
The essential spices include salt, ground curry powder, ground mace, and ground pepper.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
The recipe instructions suggest shaping the mixture into 4 to 6 individual meatballs.
Should I chill the meatballs before cooking?
Yes, covering and chilling the meatballs in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes helps them firm up.
What is used to fry the meatballs?
Three tablespoons of butter are used to brown the meatballs in a large skillet.
How long should the meatballs be browned?
The meatballs should be browned for approximately 15 minutes over medium heat.
How long do the meatballs need to simmer?
After browning, the meatballs should simmer covered on low heat for an additional 15 minutes.
How is the gravy made for Dutch Gehaktballen?
The gravy is made by deglazing the skillet with water or beef stock and scraping up the browned bits after the meatballs are cooked.
What can I use to flavor the gravy?
You can add a splash of ketjap manis or Maggi seasoning to the gravy to enhance its flavor.
What are the traditional side dishes for this meal?
It is traditionally served with crispy home fries and a generous side of mayonnaise.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 9.5g of fat per serving of Dutch Gehaktballen.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 11.25g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 8.75g of protein.
Is onion used in the meatballs?
Yes, the recipe calls for one small minced onion to be mixed into the ground beef.
What is the purpose of the egg in this recipe?
The egg acts as a binder to help hold the meat and other ingredients together.
Can I use beef stock instead of water for the gravy?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 0.5 cup of water or beef stock for deglazing the pan.
How do I ensure the meatballs cook evenly?
Turn the meatballs occasionally during both the browning and simmering phases.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be minced before being added to the large mixing bowl.
What does 'deglazing' mean in this context?
Deglazing involves pouring liquid into the hot skillet and scraping the bottom to incorporate the flavorful browned bits into the gravy.
What is mace in cooking?
Mace is a savory spice used in this recipe, often described as having a flavor similar to nutmeg but more subtle.
Does this recipe include pork?
While tagged with pork, the specific ingredient list provided focuses on lean ground beef.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1.5 teaspoons of salt, or to taste.
What consistency should the gravy have?
The liquid should be brought to a high simmer and stirred until it thickens slightly.
Is curry powder a traditional ingredient for these meatballs?
Yes, curry powder is a common spice used in traditional Dutch meatball recipes for a distinct depth of flavor.
How should the meatballs be served?
Serve them with the prepared gravy poured over them alongside fries.
What is the role of Ketjap Manis?
Ketjap Manis is a sweet soy sauce that provides a rich, savory-sweet balance to the meatball gravy.