Ah, Frikadellen – those delightful little German meat patties that always transport me back to my grandmother’s kitchen! Every time I cook these, I can’t help but remember the wonderful aroma that filled her home. The savory scent of frying meat, mingling with the warmth of fresh parsley – it’s pure comfort food at its finest. I love making these for gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners alike. They’re super easy to whip up, and there’s just something incredibly satisfying about biting into a juicy frikadelle, especially when paired with golden-crisp potatoes. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you won’t want to save it just for special occasions!
Now, let’s dive into what you’ll need to make these authentic German Frikadellen!
What’s in Authentic German Frikadellen?
Ground beef: This is the star of the show! I often like to mix it with pork for an extra juicy and flavorful result. If you have a preference, you can always go for lean ground beef, but honestly, a little fat means a lot more flavor.
Onion: A large onion is finely chopped to add sweetness and depth. It really forms the backbone of the flavor in each patty.
Garlic: Who can resist the aroma of fresh garlic? Two cloves, minced, will take your frikadellen to the next level, adding a delightful kick.
Breadcrumbs: Using ½ cup of breadcrumbs helps bind the ingredients together and gives the patties a nice texture. You can use plain or seasoned, based on your preference.
Milk: A ¼ cup of milk makes the mixture moist and tender.
Egg: Just one egg acts as a binding agent, keeping everything together so the patties don’t fall apart while cooking.
Mustard: A teaspoon of good German mustard adds a subtle zing that really enhances the flavor of the meat. If you can find some authentic German mustard, even better!
Paprika: This spice not only gives a lovely color to the patties but also imparts a gentle smokiness.
Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings bring everything together. I always say, don’t skimp on these!
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley serves as a beautiful garnish and lends a fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
Vegetable oil: Two tablespoons are used for frying, giving the frikadellen that irresistible golden-brown crust.
Baby or small potatoes: The perfect side to accompany your frikadellen. They soak up flavor and are super satisfying.
Butter: About two tablespoons of butter will help crisp up those potatoes to perfection!
Is Authentic German Frikadellen Good for You?
Now, let’s talk health! First off, the beauty of Frikadellen lies in their simplicity and wholesome ingredients.
Ground beef & pork: These meats are a great source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. Just keep in mind to opt for leaner cuts if you’re watching your fat intake.
Onion & Garlic: Packed with antioxidants, both these ingredients contribute to heart health and can bolster your immune system.
Potatoes: Rich in potassium and vitamin C, small potatoes provide a comforting and filling side. If you’re going for a healthier twist, you could always bake them instead of frying!
However, they can be a bit rich if you’re not careful with portion sizes, so moderation is key here. Overall, I think they strike a lovely balance of comforting and nourishing!
Ingredients List
– 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp mustard (German mustard if available)
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
– 500g baby or small potatoes
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste for potatoes
– Fresh parsley (for garnish on potatoes)
This recipe will serve about **4 people** – perfect for a family dinner!
How to Make Authentic German Frikadellen?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ground beef**, **chopped onion**, **minced garlic**, **breadcrumbs**, **milk**, **egg**, **mustard**, **paprika**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Mix everything together until well combined. I often just use my hands – it’s the best way to ensure everything’s mixed in evenly!
2. Form the mixture into small, flat patties – roughly about **10-12 pieces** – and set them aside for a moment.
3. Heat the **vegetable oil** in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the frikadellen patties for about **4-5 minutes on each side**, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the pan and keep warm.
4. While the frikadellen are cooking, let’s focus on the potatoes! In a pot, boil the **small potatoes** in salted water until tender, which should take about **15-20 minutes**. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
5. Slice the boiled potatoes in half. In a separate skillet, melt the **butter** over medium heat. Add the potatoes (cut side down!) and season with **salt and pepper**. Cook until they are golden and crispy, which should take another **5-7 minutes**.
6. Serve the frikadellen hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside those crispy potatoes.
Enjoy your authentic German meal!
Serving Suggestions and Cooking Tips
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to spice things up!
– You can add herbs like **thyme** or **oregano** to the patties for extra flavor.
– If you want a lighter version, try baking the frikadellen instead of frying them! Just place them on a baking sheet at 180°C (350°F) until cooked through, flipping halfway.
– These patties taste phenomenal with a side of sauerkraut or a tangy cucumber salad.
I really hope you give this recipe a go – it’s comfort food that’ll brighten any meal! When you try it out, let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these delicious little frikadellen. Happy cooking!
