Surinamese Boxboles with a Twist

Ingredients

• For the meatballs: For the meatballs:
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For the dough: For the dough:
• 300g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour 300g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 120ml (1/2 cup) water 120ml (1/2 cup) water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, prepare the dough by combining the flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the water to the flour mixture, mixing with a fork until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough lightly until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle.
5. 5.
   Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each dough circle and fold the dough over to enclose the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal the Boxboles.
6. 6.
   Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F). Fry the Boxboles in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy.
7. 7.
   Remove the Boxboles from the oil and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the Surinamese Boxboles hot and enjoy their delicious flavors.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. Make sure to cook the meatballs thoroughly to ensure they are safe to consume.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor.
• All-purpose flour — Sift the flour before using it to ensure a smoother dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped chili pepper to the meat mixture.
• Serve the Boxboles with a tangy tamarind chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the Boxboles in the oven instead of frying them.
• Experiment with different ground meats such as chicken or lamb for a variation in taste.
• Make a larger batch of Boxboles and freeze them for later use. Just thaw and fry whenever you crave a quick and delicious snack.

Serving advice

Serve the Surinamese Boxboles as an appetizer at parties or as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or chutney. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown Boxboles on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. Serve them alongside a dipping sauce or chutney to enhance the visual appeal.