Slavinken

Slavinken Recipe - Traditional Dutch Pork and Bacon Dish

Region / culture: Netherlands | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Slavinken is a traditional Dutch dish consisting of ground pork wrapped in bacon. This savory and flavorful dish is a popular choice for a hearty meal.

History

Slavinken originated in the Netherlands and has been a staple in Dutch cuisine for many years. The name "slavinken" translates to "lettuce finch" in Dutch, which refers to the shape of the meat roll resembling a small bird.

Ingredients

1 cup of lean ground pork
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of ground mace
0.25 tsp of ground pepper
0.25 tsp of ground nutmeg
2 tbsp of fine dry breadcrumbs
12 slices of bacon
8 toothpicks

How to prepare

Mix the pork, salt, spices, and bread crumbs together until well combined. Shape the mixture into 4 cylinder-shaped rolls.
Place 2 slices of bacon parallel to each other on a clean surface. Roll the bacon slices around each meat roll, then fold a third slice of bacon lengthwise to cover the ends of the meat roll. Secure the bacon with 2 toothpicks, one at each end.
Arrange the bacon rolls on a cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 0.5 hour.
Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Variations

You can add different spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or herbs to the ground pork mixture for added flavor.
Instead of ground pork, you can use ground beef or a mixture of ground meats for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the ground pork mixture well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.

- Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the meat rolls to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.

- Bake the Slavinken in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Slavinken with mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic Dutch meal. You can also serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the Slavinken in the oven for a crispy and flavorful dish. You can also grill or pan-fry them for a different texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't eat pork, you can use ground chicken or turkey as a substitute. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of Slavinken.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Slavinken ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This is a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Slavinken on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Slavinken pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Slavinken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Slavinken contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Slavinken contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Slavinken contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Slavinken contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Slavinken is a good source of iron and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Slavinken contains pork and breadcrumbs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Slavinken is a high-protein dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12.

Summary

Slavinken is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that is sure to please your family and friends. Enjoy this traditional Dutch dish for a taste of European cuisine at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Slavinken. It was a cool autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie in the quaint little town of Haarlem in the Netherlands. Marie was a wonderful cook, and she had promised to teach me how to make one of her favorite dishes.

As we gathered the ingredients together in her cozy kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. The recipe for Slavinken was one that Marie had learned from her own grandmother many years ago. It was a traditional Dutch dish made with ground meat wrapped in bacon, and I couldn't wait to learn how to make it.

Marie began by mixing together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, spices, and a touch of milk. She explained to me that the key to a good Slavinken was to season the meat just right, so that it would be flavorful and juicy. As we worked together, I watched as Marie expertly shaped the meat mixture into long, thin sausages.

Next, Marie laid out slices of bacon on the counter and carefully wrapped each sausage in a slice, securing it with toothpicks. She then heated a skillet on the stove and browned the Slavinken on all sides until the bacon was crispy and the meat was cooked through.

As the delicious aroma filled the kitchen, I couldn't help but think back to my own childhood and the memories of learning how to cook from my own grandmother. She was a woman who knew her way around the kitchen, and she had passed down many recipes to me over the years.

I remembered the afternoons spent watching her knead dough for homemade bread, or stir a pot of simmering soup on the stove. She would always encourage me to taste and season as I cooked, teaching me the importance of using fresh ingredients and cooking with love.

I thought about how each recipe I learned from my grandmother had a story behind it, a memory attached to it. Whether it was her famous apple pie or her hearty beef stew, each dish held a special place in my heart.

And now, as I stood in Marie's kitchen, learning how to make Slavinken, I realized that this dish would become a part of my own recipe collection. I would pass it down to future generations, just as Marie had done for me.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took a bite of the tender, flavorful Slavinken and savored the taste. It was a dish that brought back memories of my grandmother and her love for cooking, and I knew that I would treasure this recipe for years to come.

So now, whenever I make Slavinken for my family, I think of Marie and her kitchen in Haarlem. I remember the sense of anticipation I felt that day, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn a new recipe from a dear friend.

And as I continue to cook and share these recipes with my loved ones, I hope to pass on the joy and tradition of good food and good company, just as my grandmother did for me. Cooking is more than just a skill - it is a way to connect with our past, our present, and our future. And I am grateful for all the recipes and memories that have shaped my love for cooking.