Leverrolletjes met Spek

Leverrolletjes met Spek Recipe from Netherlands - Ingredients: calf liver, ham, bread, egg, pepper, onion, butter, breadcrumbs

Region / culture: Netherlands | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Leverrolletjes met Spek, or liver rolls with bacon, is a classic Dutch dish that combines the rich flavors of calf liver and smoked ham. This dish is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

History

This traditional Dutch recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the dish. Leverrolletjes met Spek is a popular dish in the Netherlands, especially during the colder months when hearty and comforting meals are preferred.

Ingredients

300 g boiled calf liver or pork liver
50 g fresh, fatty smoked ham
a few slices of stale bread
1 egg
pepper and salt to taste
1 small onion
butter
breadcrumbs

How to prepare

Mince the liver and most of the ham, while keeping some slices separate. Soak the bread in water, then squeeze out the water and crumble the bread. Mix the crumbled bread with the minced liver and ham.
Add the egg, pepper, salt, and the chopped and sautéed onion to the mixture.
Shape the mixture into rolls and fry them in hot butter for approximately 10 minutes.
Gently fry the remaining ham slices and roll them around the liver rolls.

Variations

Add chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme to the liver mixture for added flavor.
Substitute the calf liver with chicken liver for a milder taste.
Wrap the liver rolls in bacon instead of smoked ham for a different twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mince the liver and ham finely for a smooth texture in the rolls.

- Soaking the bread in water helps to keep the rolls moist and tender.

- Be careful not to overcook the liver rolls, as they can become tough and dry.

- Serve the liver rolls with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Leverrolletjes met Spek with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete and hearty meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the liver rolls in butter helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find calf liver, you can substitute it with chicken liver or beef liver for a similar taste and texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the liver rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry. This makes it a convenient dish for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the liver rolls on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Leverrolletjes met Spek pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover liver rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Leverrolletjes met Spek contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Leverrolletjes met Spek contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Leverrolletjes met Spek contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Leverrolletjes met Spek contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bread and may contain allergens from the egg and ham.

Summary

Leverrolletjes met Spek is a nutritious dish that is high in proteins and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for a balanced diet.

Summary

Leverrolletjes met Spek is a classic Dutch dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a few simple ingredients and easy cooking techniques, you can enjoy this delicious meal in no time.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Marta in the quaint village of Bruges. Marta was known throughout the village for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On this particular day, Marta invited me into her cozy kitchen, where the tantalizing aroma of sizzling bacon filled the air. I watched in awe as she expertly rolled up thin slices of liver into delicate parcels, wrapping them in strips of bacon before securing them with toothpicks. She then placed the leverrolletjes met spek in a hot pan, where they sizzled and crisped to perfection.

I marveled at the simplicity of the dish, yet the flavors were rich and complex. I had never tasted anything quite like it before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Marta laughed at my eagerness and handed me a pen and paper. "Write down the recipe, my dear," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "It's a family secret, but I trust you to carry on the tradition."

I eagerly took notes as Marta dictated the ingredients and instructions to me. She explained how the combination of tender liver and savory bacon created a harmonious balance of flavors, and how the dish was a beloved favorite among her family and friends.

As I wrote down the last of the recipe, Marta handed me a small jar of her homemade mustard sauce. "This is the finishing touch," she said with a smile. "A dollop of this tangy sauce will elevate the leverrolletjes met spek to a whole new level of deliciousness."

I thanked Marta profusely for sharing her cherished recipe with me, and I promised to honor it with care and respect. Little did I know that this simple dish would become a staple in my own kitchen, a beloved favorite among my own family and friends.

Over the years, I have made the leverrolletjes met spek countless times, each time evoking memories of that fateful day in Marta's kitchen. I have shared the recipe with my children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition from generation to generation.

As I stand in my own kitchen now, preparing a batch of leverrolletjes met spek for a family gathering, I can't help but smile at the thought of Marta and the special bond we share through this cherished recipe. The aroma of sizzling bacon fills the air, and I know that the flavors of love, friendship, and tradition are woven into every bite.

And as I take a moment to savor the rich, savory taste of the leverrolletjes met spek, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to preserve the stories of our past. In that moment, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of life, for the joy of cooking, and for the gift of sharing a delicious meal with the ones we love.