What's This: Filet Américain

Happy 4th of July to all Americans stateside and abroad!

If you live abroad, how do you celebrate Independence Day?

Aside from the hot dogs sold in cans or jars, there are foods available which are suitable for a mock-4th of July party for us Americans living in the Netherlands. If this is what you wish! I'd compiled a list once upon a time here on my blog [click here] of what American goodies I could find in the Netherlands, but to be honest I don't miss marshmallows at all, and Skippy peanut butter doesn't taste so great anymore. Both are found in various grocery locations. Root beer? Yes, this is also available! I still love it, and I find it in many places [shared in the blog entry mentioned above].

But anymore I try to also mix some of the more typically Dutch items in with my celebrations or casual gatherings nowadays. One of which, which many like, is filet américain. This translates from French to American Fillet. It's a version of steak tartare, but the version I am most familiar with is sold in a small container at all supermarkets in the Netherlands, similar to what is pictured above [from a Sanders supermarket], sold in the cold deli case with deli meats and cheeses. I have seen it at nearly every party, usually spread lightly on crackers. Sometimes with a few chopped onions [Dutch: uitjes] lightly drizzled over the top.

Do I like it? Yes. I didn't realize when I first tried it what exactly it was, which is probably why I liked it and still like it today. But not everyone likes it. As a matter of fact, I only know a few expats who like it.

What is it? It is ground beef made into a paste. According to the ingredients on the reverse side of the package from Sanders, it is made/seasoned with sunflower oil, egg, salt, vinegar, a Worcester sauce, some garlic powder, onion powder and other seasonings. Click here for more information.

If I serve it, I serve it on the same evening that I bought it from the store. I look at the date when I buy it too and buy only the newest. If it has been there for more than a day, I won't buy it. I want it fresh for those who I am serving. And I don't serve it alone. I serve it with a few choices of chips and a variety of other crackers with toppings or allow the guests to serve themselves from a variety of choices. Crab salad, shrimp salad, salmon purée and a few other choices are generally there to choose from to help with the gezellig [English: pleasant/cozy] atmosphere to go along with a glass of beer or wine.

Most of this I would have never served in America. I had only read about steak tartare before coming to the Netherlands. Aside from what would be grilled on the barbecue, I typically also served veggie tray, fruit salad and other fresh fruits, potato salad, tortilla chips with seven layer dip or salsa and cheese dip, cornbread with honey butter, pretzels and mixed nuts [or Chex® party mix], and lil' smokies at my gatherings in America.

Off now to celebrate.
Happy 4th of July, everyone!

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