Frikandel

Ah, frikandel. Truly a staple of Dutch cuisine, this dish has long been lauded for its delightful flavor and simple yet heartful preparation. Traditionally consisting of a deep-fried pork sausage, often served with mayonnaise, ketchup, and/or curry sauce, this beloved snack is one of Holland's most recognizable eats.

Frikandel


For some, the mere mention of frikandel evokes memories of childhood -- of trips to the market, of friends eagerly awaiting its arrival in the kitchen, of the first glorious bite. Yet beyond nostalgia, there is something truly special about this Dutch delicacy. The succulent texture of the sausage, perfectly fried and salted to offset the sweetness of its creamy accompaniments, offers an unparalleled culinary experience.

It can be argued that the savory goodness of frikandel lies in its versatility. Whether served as-is or incorporated into a larger meal, this delectable morsel adds a unique dimension to any meal. It can be enjoyed as is, lightly laced with ketchup or mayonnaise, or combined with a medley of vegetables and spices for a more complex flavor. Its simplicity, however, is also part of its charm.

Moreover, no discussion of frikandel would be complete without mentioning its impact on Dutch society. A perennial favorite in pubs and cafés, it holds a supreme place among the country's cherished culinary traditions -- a testament to the Dutch commitment to quality and tradition.

In the end, frikandel is more than just a delicious snack -- it's a beloved part of Dutch culture and cuisine. The next time you're in Holland, why not give this delightful treat a try? You won't be disappointed.

Frikandel recipes

Amazing Frikandel recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Frikandel

The Frikandel is one of the most beloved foods in the Netherlands, with its fame reaching far beyond the country's borders. The origins of this succulent, savoury snack have been a topic of debate for years, with many theories abounding as to where it really came from.

One oft-believed tale states that the Frikandel was created by a man known as Herman Evenhuis in 1949. This story has become a bit of a legend as it implies that he himself crafted the delicious dish out of nothing but a series of simple ingredients. However, it seems more likely that what he actually did was combine two already existing snacks. These two snacks were a chopped and fried meatball – akin to those found in Indonesian cuisine, and an elongated hotdog shaped sausage that was popular at the time. By combining these two individual treats and adding a host of tasty flavourings, he created the classic Frikandel.

Though this tale has been debated over the years, it does pose some interesting questions as to why certain elements of the Frikandel, such as the shape, seemingly have their roots in Asia and not Germany - where the elongated hot dogs were said to have originated from.

One theory posits that the idea of the shape was actually adopted from the Chinese Youtiao – a deep-fried doughnut-shaped bread that was already popular in the Dutch East Indies before it made its way back to Europe. This may explain why the shape of the Frikandel so closely resembles the Youtiao, even to this day.

Whatever the true origin of the Frikandel may be, one thing is certain: it continues to bring joy to people around the world. Long may it remain a favourite!

FAQs about Frikandel

Is a frikandel a hotdog?

No, a frikandel is not a hotdog. A frikandel is a Dutch fast food snack made of a skinless minced-meat sausage.


Is there horse meat in frikandel?

No, frikandel does not contain horse meat. It is usually made from either a mixture of beef and pork, or just beef.


What is Frikadellen Dutch?

Frikadellen (or Frikandel) is a Dutch snack, a type of fried meatball made from minced pork, beef, or a combination of the two. It is typically served hot in a bun (often with mayonnaise and curry ketchup) or with fries.


What is in a Dutch frikandel?

A Dutch frikandel is a fried minced-meat snack typically made from a mixture of pork and beef, or occasionally just beef or chicken. It is similar to a hot dog, but the meat is heavily spiced with ingredients such as nutmeg, coriander, clove, pepper, and garlic. The minced meat is then shaped into a sausage, deep fried, and served either as is, with curry ketchup, curry mayonnaise, or one of several other sauces.


Types of Frikandel

Frikandel is an iconic Dutch dish that has been around for centuries. It is a deep-fried sausage-like delicacy, made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and spices. It is a popular snack food in the Netherlands, Belgium, and across the world, enjoyed in its various iterations.

Frikandellen come in many shapes, sizes, and flavors; what starts as a one-size-fits-all snack can quickly become a culinary conundrum! There are two main varieties, including the traditional frikandel and the brochette variant. The latter was invented in the 1950s and features strips of meat instead of a single patty.

The traditional frikandel is an impressive amalgam of proteins: it usually contains beef, pork, or a combination of both, which is then spiced and shaped into a patty. It is then breaded and deep-fried, producing a crispy coating and a juicy, succulent interior. This version comes with several topping options, from curry ketchup to the more classic mayonnaise.

One popular variation of the traditional frikandel is the “bitterballen”. It is made from a roux-based mixture of beef, pork, or veal, and spices that are formed into small balls, breaded and fried. They are served either alone or on toast and served with a dipping sauce. The addition of herbs and spices to the mixture is what sets these apart from their larger, fricadel-style counterparts and imparts the beloved flavor that has been enjoyed for generations.

Another tasty take on the frikandel is the “gehaktbal”. This is a minced meatball stuffed with a flavorful filling, such as cheese, vegetables, and/or bacon, before being battered and fried. This version is usually served without the traditional accompaniments of mayo and curry ketchup, making for a crunchy snack that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Finally, we come to the “broodje frikandel”, which is frikandel tucked inside a bun, making for a delicious handheld meal. It is served with mayonnaise and optional curry ketchup, giving it a unique flavor and texture that is hard to resist.

No matter which type of frikandel is your favorite, they are all delicious and a great way to enjoy a special Dutch treat. Whether you opt for the classic frikandel, the tasty bitterballen, the comforting gehaktbal, or the convenient broodje frikandel, you are sure to have a delightful dining experience.