Northern Irish Bites

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Dutch Bitterballen is transformed into Northern Irish Bites by incorporating local ingredients and flavors. The original recipe typically uses a mixture of beef and veal, but in this version, we focus solely on minced beef. Additionally, we infuse the filling with Northern Irish herbs and spices to give it a distinct flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Bitterballen, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 250g (0.55 lb) minced beef 250g (0.55 lb) minced beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs 100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Boil the diced potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them until smooth.
2. 2.
   In a separate pan, cook the minced beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Combine the mashed potatoes with the beef mixture and mix until evenly incorporated.
5. 5.
   Shape the mixture into small balls, approximately 2-3cm (1 inch) in diameter.
6. 6.
   Dip each ball into the beaten eggs, then roll them in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
7. 7.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
8. 8.
   Fry the potato balls in batches until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
9. 9.
   Remove the bites from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. 10.
    Serve the Northern Irish Bites hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to thoroughly drain the boiled potatoes before mashing them to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
• Minced beef — Use lean minced beef for a healthier option, or opt for a higher fat content for a richer flavor.
• Breadcrumbs — You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by toasting and grinding stale bread.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the filling.
• Serve the Northern Irish Bites with a side of tangy tomato chutney or creamy garlic aioli for dipping.
• To make the bites ahead of time, you can freeze them after shaping and coating. Just thaw before frying.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Northern Irish Bites as an appetizer at parties or as a delicious snack alongside a pint of stout or a cup of tea. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Northern Irish Bites on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for an attractive presentation. Serve them with small dipping bowls of tomato chutney or garlic aioli for an extra touch of elegance.