As the vibrant city of Rotterdam continues to be a beacon of culture and innovation, the Erasmus School of Law at Erasmus University stands out as a center of academic excellence. But beyond the realms of academia, the culinary delights of the Netherlands are something to savor and explore. In this blog post, we bring you “Quick Dutch Delights,” a selection of delightful 30-minute recipes inspired by the dynamic environment of Erasmus School of Law in 2025. Perfect for food enthusiasts in the United States and Europe, these recipes will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Netherlands.
Dutch Apple Pancakes (Poffertjes)
Poffertjes are fluffy mini pancakes that are a staple of Dutch cuisine. Traditionally served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a slab of butter, these sweet treats are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 tbsp melted butter, 1 apple (peeled and diced), powdered sugar, butter for serving.
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk and eggs to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in melted butter and diced apple.
- Heat a poffertjes pan or a regular skillet over medium heat and lightly butter the wells or surface.
- Drop the batter by tablespoonfuls into the pan, cooking until bubbles form on the surface.
- Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve with butter and a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
Haring Sandwich
Haring, or herring, is a beloved Dutch street food. This quick sandwich brings together the salty delight of pickled herring with fresh ingredients for a satisfying meal.
- Ingredients: 4 small soft rolls, 4-6 pickled herring fillets, 1 small red onion (thinly sliced), pickles, lettuce leaves, mustard.
- Instructions:
- Slice the rolls open and spread a thin layer of mustard on each side.
- Layer lettuce, pickled herring, red onion slices, and pickles inside each roll.
- Close the rolls and serve immediately.
Bitterballen
A favorite bar snack, bitterballen are small, deep-fried balls filled with a savory beef ragout. These crispy delights are often served with mustard for dipping.
- Ingredients: 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup butter, 2 cups beef broth, 2 cups shredded cooked beef, 1 tsp nutmeg, salt and pepper, breadcrumbs, 2 eggs (beaten), oil for frying, mustard for serving.
- Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth, then stir in shredded beef, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until thickened, then cool and refrigerate until firm.
- Form the mixture into small balls, roll in breadcrumbs, dip in beaten egg, then roll again in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with mustard.
Speculaas Cookies
Speculaas are spiced shortcrust cookies, typically enjoyed during the holiday season. However, their aromatic allure makes them a year-round favorite.
- Ingredients: 1 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp speculaas spice mix (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, white pepper, and cardamom), 1/2 tsp salt.
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in flour, speculaas spice, and salt until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into desired shapes.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
FAQ
Q: What is the best way to prepare poffertjes without a special pan?
A: You can use a regular skillet to cook poffertjes. Simply drop small tablespoons of batter onto the skillet and cook as you would mini pancakes.
Q: Where can I find pickled herring for the sandwich?
A: Pickled herring is often available at supermarkets with a good variety of international foods or in specialty stores that focus on European imports.
Q: Can I make bitterballen without a deep fryer?
A: Yes, you can fry bitterballen in a large pot with enough oil to cover them, ensuring the oil is heated to the correct temperature before frying.
Q: What is speculaas spice mix?
A: Speculaas spice mix is a blend typically made from cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, white pepper, and cardamom. It can be found pre-mixed in some stores or made at home.
Q: Can these recipes be adapted for dietary restrictions?
A: Yes, most recipes can be adjusted. For example, gluten-free flour can be used in poffertjes, and plant-based butter can replace dairy butter in cookies.
Conclusion
These quick and delicious Dutch recipes are a wonderful way to experience the flavors of the Netherlands from the comfort of your home. Inspired by the innovative spirit of Erasmus School of Law and the lively city of Rotterdam, each dish brings a touch of Dutch charm to your table. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for a new culinary adventure, these recipes promise to deliver delightful results in just 30 minutes. Enjoy your culinary journey through these Dutch delights!
