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Recipe by

Lentils.org

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Lentil Bitterballen (Plant-Based Dutch Meatball)

Prep Time: 45 Minutes

Total time: 5 Hours 45 Minutes

Servings: 10 portions (60 bitterballen)

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Recipe by

Lentils.org

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Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition

Ingredients

    2 cups (500 mL) whole red lentils, cooked

    2 cups (500 mL) brown button mushrooms, roasted and minced

    2 tsp (10 mL) whole grain mustard

    ½ cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, melted

    1 ½ cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour

    1 quart (1 L) low-sodium beef stock

    ½ cup (125 mL) white onion, minced

    2 Tbsp (30 mL) flat leaf parsley, minced

    1 tsp (5 mL) nutmeg

    3 eggs, beaten

    1 cup (250 mL) Italian breadcrumbs

    vegetable oil, as needed


Directions

  1. In the bowl of a food processor, add lentils, mushrooms, and mustard and pulse until a coarse paste is formed. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot, over medium heat, add butter and 1 cup (250 mL) flour and whisk together to form a roux.
  3. Add stock slowly while whisking to create a smooth and thick gravy.
  4. Add onions and parsley, then fold in the lentil mushroom mix. Season with nutmeg.
  5. Refrigerate the mixture overnight or for at least 5 hours to allow the gravy to set.
  6. Begin shaping the bitterballen, using a #20 scoop or roughly 2-3 Tbsp.
  7. Working in a 3-stage breading system, use the remaining ½ cup (125 mL) flour to dredge the bitterballs, wash in the beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
  8. Fry the bitterballen in 375°F (190°C) oil for roughly 5 minutes each, until they reach a golden brown color.
  9. Serve hot with gravy or with mayonnaise and mustard for dipping.

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 1 bitterball
  • Per serving:
  • Calories 70
  • Total Fat 5 g
  • Saturated Fat 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol 15 mg
  • Carbohydrates 6 g
  • Dietary Fibre 1 g
  • Sugar 1 g
  • Protein 2 g
  • Sodium 80 mg
  • Potassium 58 mg
  • Folate 18 mcg