Vlammetjes is a Dutch word meaning “little flames,” which describes the spicy flavor of this dish. Similar to miniature spring rolls, these golden bite-size pastry pouches are filled with peppery minced beef and deep-fried. Vlammetjes became a popular snack food in the Netherlands in the 1980s and were registered as a trademark in 1983. They also are enjoyed as a bar snack as they pair well with cold beer and, with their salty, spicy flavor, work to increase thirst. Although they are available at Dutch groceries and convenience stores, in the United States vlammetjes are homemade by necessity. They are typically served with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Recipe Servings: 6
Ingredients
- Spring roll pastry sheets, as needed
- 1 lb beef, minced
- 5 Tbsp sambal
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp MSG
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Cooking oil, as needed for frying
Directions
- Cut pastry sheets diagonally into two triangles.
- Combine the minced beef, sambal, salt, pepper, MSG, garlic powder, and soy sauce in a large bowl, mixing thoroughly.
- Roll the filling into small balls about the size of a nickel.
- Place a meatball on top of a pastry triangle and smear beaten egg on the edges before folding it closed to make a triangular packet.
- Repeat step four until all the meatballs are used.
- Heat oil in a deep-fryer or heavy pan set over medium-high heat.
- Fry the vlammetjes until golden brown on all sides. Cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Remove the vlammetjes from the oil and serve with sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
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