Frikadellen
Frikadellen Recipe - Traditional German Dish with Onions, Egg, Salt, and Oil
Introduction
Frikadellen, also known as German meat patties, are a popular dish in Germany and other European countries. These delicious meat patties are made with ground beef, onions, and seasonings, and are typically fried until golden brown. Frikadellen are perfect for a quick and easy meal, and can be enjoyed on their own or served with a side of potatoes or salad.
History
Frikadellen have been a staple in German cuisine for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in Germany, where it was traditionally made with leftover meat and bread. Over time, the recipe evolved to include ground beef, onions, and spices, creating the delicious meat patties we know and love today.
Ingredients
- 1 bun or you may substitute it with 2 slices of white bread
- 2 onions
- 1 lb (454 g) of ground beef
- 1 egg
- salt, pepper, paprika to taste
- 2 oz (57 g) of fat or oil
How to prepare
- Soak the roll or bread in cold water. Peel the onion and finely dice it. Squeeze out the bread and add it, along with the onion, to the hamburger meat. Add the egg and season with spices to taste. With wet hands, form meat patties. Heat the oil or fat and fry the meat patties on both sides for about 10 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.
Variations
- Add chopped parsley or chives to the meat mixture for added flavor.
- Use ground pork or a mixture of ground meats, such as beef and pork, for a different flavor profile.
- Serve the meat patties with a creamy mushroom sauce or gravy for a delicious twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to soak the bread in cold water before adding it to the meat mixture. This will help keep the meat patties moist and tender.
- Use wet hands to form the meat patties, as this will prevent the meat from sticking to your hands.
- Fry the meat patties in hot oil or fat to ensure they cook evenly and develop a crispy crust.
- Season the meat mixture with your favorite spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, or herbs, to add flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Frikadellen with a side of mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or a fresh green salad.
Cooking Techniques
Frying
Ingredient Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version of Frikadellen.
- Substitute gluten-free bread for the white bread to make the dish gluten-free.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the meat mixture for Frikadellen ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the dish even more delicious.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Frikadellen on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Frikadellen pair well with a glass of German beer or a crisp white wine, such as Riesling.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Frikadellen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Frikadellen contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Frikadellen contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Frikadellen contains approximately 20 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Frikadellen contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Frikadellen are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Alergens
Frikadellen contain gluten and eggs.
Summary
Frikadellen are a delicious and nutritious dish that is high in proteins and fats. They are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, making them a healthy choice for a balanced meal.
Summary
Frikadellen are a classic German dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. These delicious meat patties are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, and can be enjoyed with a variety of side dishes. Try making Frikadellen at home for a taste of traditional German cuisine!
How did I get this recipe?
I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Frikadellen. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Germany. My grandmother, who was a fantastic cook, had invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare dinner. As we worked together, she shared with me the story of how she had learned to make these delicious meat patties.
She explained that Frikadellen were a traditional German dish, often served with potatoes and a side of vegetables. The recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, and each cook had put their own unique twist on it. My grandmother's version was a simple yet flavorful mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and spices, all shaped into round patties and fried until golden brown.
As we mixed the ingredients together, my grandmother told me about how she had learned to make Frikadellen from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been perfected over time, with each generation adding their own little touch to make it their own.
I watched in awe as my grandmother expertly shaped the meat mixture into perfect patties, her hands moving with precision and skill. She had a way of making even the simplest of dishes look like a work of art. As we cooked the Frikadellen in a hot skillet, the sizzling sound filled the kitchen, and the smell of frying meat wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.
Finally, the Frikadellen were ready, and we sat down to enjoy our meal together. The crispy patties were juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. As I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen one day.
Over the years, I have made Frikadellen many times, always following my grandmother's recipe to the letter. Each time I cook them, I am reminded of that special day in her kitchen, where she passed down a piece of our family's culinary heritage to me.
I have shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, teaching them the art of making Frikadellen just as my grandmother taught me. It is a dish that brings us together, connecting us to our past and the generations that came before us.
As I look back on that day in my grandmother's kitchen, I am grateful for the gift she gave me – not just the recipe for Frikadellen, but the love and tradition that came with it. It is a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bond between generations and the joy of cooking together with those we love.