By Frikandellen are an iconic Dutch snack that has won over taste buds across the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Germany. With its long, sausage-like shape and tender, meaty flavor, this beloved fast food item is traditionally deep-fried and served with various toppings or sauces. Though the original frikandel is flavorful on its own, there are many ways to elevate this simple dish. Whether you’re preparing frikandellen at home or enjoying them at a local snack bar, there are countless tasty ways to enhance this Dutch classic. Let’s explore ten delicious ideas to enjoy frikandellen in new and exciting ways.
Classic Frikandellen with Curry Ketchup and Mayo
One of the most popular and traditional ways to enjoy a frikandel is with a simple combination of curry ketchup and mayonnaise. After deep-frying the frikandel to a crispy golden perfection, it’s sliced lengthwise and topped with a generous amount of curry ketchup, followed by a squirt of creamy mayonnaise. Often, chopped onions are sprinkled on top for an extra crunch and a burst of flavor. This trio of condiments is commonly known as a “Frikandel Speciaal,” and it’s a favorite for good reason—simple, satisfying, and bursting with taste.
Frikandellen Broodje: The Dutch Frikandel Roll
If you’re looking for a convenient and handheld version of frikandel, try a Frikandel Broodje (frikandel roll). This savory pastry consists of a frikandel sausage wrapped in flaky puff pastry dough and baked until golden and crisp. Frikandel broodjes are perfect for on-the-go snacking, and they’re commonly found in Dutch bakeries and snack bars. To make your own, simply place a cooked frikandel in pre-made puff pastry, brush the top with egg wash, and bake until crisp. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard or ketchup.
Frikandel Curry Wrap
Take a modern twist on the traditional frikandel by wrapping it in a soft tortilla or flatbread and serving it with curry sauce. This fusion-style dish brings together the hearty flavor of frikandel with the bold, aromatic spices of curry. Start by cooking your frikandel, then wrap it in a tortilla along with fresh veggies such as lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. Drizzle a generous amount of curry sauce inside the wrap for a punch of flavor. This is a great way to enjoy frikandellen in a new, portable format that adds an exotic flair.
Frikandel Pizza
Frikandel on pizza? Absolutely! Frikandellen can serve as a delicious topping for your homemade pizza. Simply chop the frikandel into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over a pizza base along with traditional pizza ingredients like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and onions. For an authentic Dutch twist, add a few dollops of curry ketchup or garlic sauce on top before baking. This unique pizza creation is a fun and unexpected way to combine two classic comfort foods.
Frikandel Sandwich with Spicy Sriracha Mayo
Add some heat to your frikandel by serving it in a sandwich with spicy sriracha mayo. Begin by frying or grilling the frikandel, then place it inside a soft sandwich roll or baguette. Prepare a sriracha mayo by mixing mayonnaise with sriracha sauce to your desired level of spiciness. Spread the spicy mayo generously on the sandwich and add lettuce, cucumber, and pickled jalapeños for a bit of crunch and tang. This spicy frikandel sandwich is perfect for those who love a kick of heat.
Frikandel with Peanut Satay Sauce
Peanut satay sauce is a popular condiment in Dutch fast food, often paired with fries or meats. Frikandel served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce is a match made in heaven. To prepare this dish, cook the frikandel and slice it open. Drizzle a warm peanut satay sauce over the frikandel and serve alongside fries or a fresh salad. The combination of the meaty frikandel and the nutty, savory flavors of the peanut sauce creates a satisfying and indulgent meal.
Frikandel in a Hot Dog Bun
If you’re a fan of hot dogs, why not replace the sausage with a frikandel? This frikandel hot dog is a creative spin on a classic fast-food favorite. Simply place the fried frikandel in a toasted hot dog bun and top it with your favorite condiments. For a Dutch-inspired hot dog, use curry ketchup, mayonnaise, and finely chopped onions. Alternatively, you can go for a more international approach with mustard, relish, or BBQ sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Frikandel with Cheese and Bacon
Cheese and bacon can make almost any dish better, and frikandel is no exception. To make a cheesy bacon frikandel, first fry or grill your frikandel as usual. Then, sprinkle shredded cheese (such as gouda or cheddar) on top and melt it under a broiler or in the oven. Finally, top the melted cheese with crispy fried bacon bits for an added layer of flavor and texture. This indulgent version of frikandel is rich, savory, and perfect for those who enjoy a hearty snack.
Frikandel Stir-Fry
Frikandel isn’t just for sandwiches or fries—it can also be incorporated into a stir-fry for a quick and flavorful meal. Start by cooking the frikandel and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. In a hot wok, stir-fry a mix of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas with soy sauce and a touch of garlic. Add the sliced frikandel pieces into the wok during the last few minutes of cooking. Serve this savory stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a fusion dish that combines the comfort of frikandel with the freshness of stir-fried veggies.
Frikandel Croquettes
For a truly unique way to enjoy frikandel, try making frikandel croquettes. This dish involves cutting the frikandel into small pieces, mixing it with mashed potatoes, and shaping the mixture into small balls or croquettes. The croquettes are then breaded and deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve with mustard or mayo for dipping. These frikandel croquettes are a perfect appetizer or party snack, and they offer a fun new texture to enjoy the classic frikandel flavor.
Conclusion
Frikandellen may be a simple and classic Dutch snack, but there are countless ways to enjoy them with exciting twists. From frikandel pizza to spicy frikandel sandwiches, these ten creative ideas show that the possibilities are endless when it comes to elevating this beloved dish. Whether you’re looking for traditional Dutch flavors or adventurous new combinations, frikandellen can be adapted to suit any taste or occasion. So next time you’re craving something savory, try one of these tasty ways to enjoy your frikandel and discover a new favorite.
FAQs
1. What is a frikandel made of?
Frikandellen are typically made from a mixture of finely ground meats, such as pork, beef, and chicken, along with various spices. The mixture is formed into long, cylindrical shapes and then fried.
2. Is frikandel similar to a sausage?
While frikandel resembles a sausage in shape, it differs in texture. It is softer and smoother due to its finely ground meat mixture, and it is not encased in a skin like traditional sausages.
3. Can frikandel be cooked in ways other than deep-frying?
Yes, frikandellen can be baked or grilled for a healthier alternative to deep-frying. However, deep-frying is the traditional cooking method that gives the frikandel its signature crispy exterior.
4. Where can I buy frikandellen?
Frikandellen are widely available in snack bars and supermarkets throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Germany. They can also be found in some specialty stores and online retailers in other countries.
5. What are some popular sauces to serve with frikandellen?
Popular sauces include curry ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, peanut satay sauce, and spicy sriracha mayo. Frikandellen are often served with a combination of sauces, such as in the classic “Frikandel Speciaal” which includes curry ketchup, mayo, and onions.
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