National Dish Netherlands: Nonnevotten (Recipe)
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Meet Nonnevotten, the irresistible little knots of fried dough that the Netherlands brings out for carnival season. Crisp and golden on the outside, soft and pillowy within, each one is rolled in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar coating that makes them impossible to resist. Traditionally shared among friends and family during the festivities, these sweet morsels carry centuries of history in their playful twisted shape. Bring a taste of Dutch celebration straight to your own kitchen.
About Nonnevotten
Nonnevotten are a delightful traditional treat from the Netherlands, especially popular during the carnival season. These small, deep-fried dough knots are not only sweet but also coated in a fine cinnamon and sugar crust. They are often enjoyed in good company and form a cherished part of Dutch culture. The name “Nonnevotten” comes from their shape, which is said to recall the bonnets worn by nuns, and their story stretches all the way back to the Middle Ages.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 150 g plain (wheat) flour
- 1 sachet baking powder
- 50 g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml milk
- Oil, for deep-frying
- Cinnamon and sugar, for dusting
Shopping for the ingredients
To make the best Nonnevotten, choose fresh, good-quality ingredients. It is worth shopping at a well-stocked supermarket or a local health-food shop. Pay particular attention to the flour, which forms the base of the dough — freshly milled flour, if you can find it, lends a deeper flavour. The eggs should be fresh and the oil for frying of good quality, so that the finished knots turn out perfectly.
Preparing the dish
Before you start on the Nonnevotten, gather all your ingredients and organise your work surface. You will need a suitable bowl for the dough and a deep pan for frying. Have a clean tea towel or a wire rack ready as well, so the fried knots can drain properly. A little anticipation and the right mood make the whole process far more enjoyable.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt thoroughly.
- Add the eggs and the milk, then stir everything into a smooth batter.
- Heat the oil in a deep pan until it is hot enough to fry the dough.
- Using a tablespoon, drop portions of the batter into the hot oil and fry the Nonnevotten until golden brown.
- Drain the finished knots on kitchen paper, then dust them generously with cinnamon and sugar.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Nonnevotten are easy to adapt for special dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use rice flour or a dedicated gluten-free flour blend. For a lactose-free version, simply swap the regular milk for a plant-based milk such as oat or almond milk. These small adjustments make the delicious knots accessible to everyone, without compromising on flavour — much like the gentle fritters in Appelbeignets.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans can enjoy Nonnevotten too, by replacing the eggs with a mixture of apple sauce or flaxseed. A small amount of apple sauce, or a blend of 1 tablespoon flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water left to swell briefly, works well as an egg substitute. This provides the binding the dough needs and stops the knots from falling apart, so vegans can savour the traditional flavours and sweet indulgence for themselves.
More tips and tricks
To get your Nonnevotten just right, keep a close eye on the temperature of the oil. Oil that is too hot will brown the knots on the outside while leaving them raw within. A kitchen thermometer is very useful here; as a rule, the oil should sit at around 180°C. Before serving, you can also garnish the knots with chocolate or a fruit sauce to add an extra dimension of flavour.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The basic recipe for Nonnevotten is easy to tailor to personal preference. Fold in nuts or dried fruit, for instance, to give the dough a special character. Spices such as nutmeg or vanilla can also deepen the flavour. Be creative and try different variations until you find your perfect version.
Ingredient substitutions
If you find yourself missing some of the ingredients for Nonnevotten, there are plenty of alternatives. Maple syrup can stand in for sugar to give a different kind of sweetness, while chickpea flour makes a good gluten-free option that adds a little extra protein to the knots. Swapping ingredients like this lets you adapt the recipe to your own tastes and dietary needs — the same playful approach that makes Oliebollen such a favourite.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs beautifully with Nonnevotten. A fresh fruit juice or a herbal tea makes a refreshing accompaniment. During the colder months, a glass of sparkling wine or warming mulled wine harmonises wonderfully with the sweetness of the knots. Let your imagination run free and create a delicious drink pairing for these traditional treats.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can do a great deal to lift the Nonnevotten experience. Serve the knots on an attractive platter and garnish them with fresh fruit or mint leaves for a splash of colour. You might also offer small bowls of chocolate sauce or fruit jam for dipping. Thoughtful decoration and creative serving ideas turn a plate of Nonnevotten into a real occasion, perfect alongside other festive bakes like Poffertjes.
A bit of history
The Nonnevotten have deep roots in Dutch culture. Originally they were served at festive gatherings and street fairs. The tradition of frying sweet dough balls is found across many European countries, but the Nonnevotten are tied specifically to carnival in the Netherlands, and to the southern province of Limburg in particular. This delicious treat not only underlines the festive atmosphere but also nurtures a sense of connection to regional cooking, a thread that runs right through Dutch cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Nonnevotten
Nonnevotten are a lively part of Dutch culture and hugely popular, particularly during carnival. They are quick and simple to prepare, and the knots are perfectly suited to convivial occasions. Whether you keep them traditional or give them a modern twist, Nonnevotten offer a delicious way to enjoy a sweet tradition. Let these irresistible fried treats inspire you and bring a little slice of Dutch culture into your own kitchen.
