Frikadellen, also known as German meat patties or meatballs, are a classic comfort food in Germany. These flavorful patties are made from a blend of beef and pork, seasoned with aromatic spices and served with traditional sides. Here’s a detailed recipe to make your own delicious German Frikadellen at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 slices stale bread
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef (80% lean recommended)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon prepared Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mace
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Prepare Bread Mixture:
- Warm the milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds until it’s warm but not boiling.
- Tear the stale bread into small pieces and place them in a small bowl. Pour the warm milk over the bread, making sure it’s well-covered. Let it soak for about 10 minutes until the bread is soft and absorbed all the milk.
- Once soaked, press out any excess milk from the bread using your hands or a spoon. You want the bread to be moist, not soggy. Discard the excess milk.
2. Cook Onions and Garlic:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and slightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly to avoid cooking the egg when combined.
3. Mix Meat and Seasonings:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
- Add the cooled onion and garlic mixture, the squeezed-out bread, and the egg. Mix well.
- Chop the fresh parsley and add it to the bowl along with salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, paprika, ground ginger, ground mace, and ground coriander. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
4. Form and Cook Frikadellen:
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each portion into a round, flat patty about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are well-browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Serve:
- Serve the Frikadellen hot with traditional German sides such as sauerkraut, potato salad, or a simple green salad. They also pair wonderfully with mustard or any sauce of your choice.
Tips:
- Bread: Stale bread works best as it absorbs the milk more evenly. Fresh bread can make the mixture too soggy.
- Serving Options: These patties are versatile and can be served as a main dish or as part of a larger meal.
- Variations: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Enjoy your homemade German Frikadellen—a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion!