Frikandellen 101: Everything You Need to Know About This Popular Snack

Frikandellen are a beloved fast food snack in the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Germany. Known for their sausage-like shape, skinless texture, and savory flavor, they have become an integral part of the region’s culinary culture. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn about their history, how they’re made, popular variations, and much more.

What is a Frikandellen?

A frikandel is a skinless sausage made from finely ground meat, typically a combination of pork, beef, and chicken. It is seasoned with a variety of spices and deep-fried to create a crispy exterior and tender interior. Frikandellen are commonly enjoyed at snack bars in the Netherlands and Belgium, often served with a side of fries and dipping sauces.

History of the Frikandellen

The frikandel has its roots in the Netherlands, where it was invented by a butcher named Gerrit de Vries in the 1950s. Originally, it was created to meet government regulations around sausage production, which banned the use of casings. The term “frikandel” is derived from the French word “fricadelle,” which referred to a minced meat patty. Since its creation, the frikandel has evolved into one of the most iconic fast food snacks in the Netherlands and Belgium.

How Frikandellen are Made

The production of frikandellen involves blending pork, beef, and chicken into a smooth, seasoned mixture. After shaping the mixture into long, thin sausages, they are pre-cooked and frozen before being deep-fried upon ordering. The lack of casing sets frikandellen apart from traditional sausages, providing a unique texture and bite.

Frikandel Speciaal: A Popular Variation

Frikandel Speciaal is a popular variation of the traditional frikandel. To make this version, the frikandel is sliced open lengthwise and topped with mayonnaise, curry ketchup, and finely chopped onions. This combination adds creaminess, tanginess, and crunch to the snack, making it one of the most-loved versions across snack bars.

How to Serve Frikandellen

Frikandellen can be served in a variety of ways. Some of the most popular serving methods include pairing them with fries, stuffing them into a soft roll, or drizzling peanut satay sauce over them. These versatile serving styles allow for creativity in how frikandellen are enjoyed.

Frikandel vs. Other Dutch Snacks

While frikandellen are one of the most popular Dutch fried snacks, they share the spotlight with others like kroketten, bitterballen, and kaassoufflés. Unlike frikandellen, kroketten and bitterballen are made with ragout fillings, while kaassoufflés are vegetarian, with a melted cheese center.

Health Considerations

Frikandellen are often deep-fried, making them high in calories and fat. However, healthier options like baked or grilled frikandellen are available. Some snack bars and supermarkets offer these lighter alternatives, which retain the flavor of traditional frikandellen without the extra fat from frying.

Where to Buy Frikandellen

Frikandellen can be found at nearly every snack bar in the Netherlands and Belgium, and they’re also available in the frozen section of supermarkets. In countries outside of these regions, specialty stores and online retailers that sell Dutch food products sometimes carry frikandellen for those eager to try them.

Making Frikandellen at Home

If you’re looking to make frikandellen from scratch, the process is straightforward. By combining ground pork, beef, and chicken with spices, and shaping them into sausages, you can create your own frikandellen at home. After steaming or boiling the sausages, simply deep-fry them for a crispy and delicious result.

Frikandellen Around the World

While frikandellen are a staple in the Netherlands and Belgium, they are also enjoyed in countries with large Dutch populations, such as South Africa and parts of the United States. Specialty stores and Dutch-themed restaurants around the world offer frikandellen to those looking for a taste of home or something new.

Conclusion

Frikandellen has become a cultural icon in the Netherlands and Belgium, enjoyed in various forms and with endless topping combinations. Whether served traditionally or with a creative twist, frikandellen are a must-try for food lovers. From their humble beginnings as a skinless sausage to their widespread popularity today, frikandellen continues to be a cherished snack. Whether you enjoy them at a snack bar or make them at home, this Dutch classic will not disappoint.