Meatballs Lihapullat

Lihapullat Recipe - Authentic Finnish Meatballs with Cream and Allspice

Region / culture: Finland | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Meatballs Lihapullat is a traditional Finnish dish that is loved by many for its savory flavors and hearty texture. These meatballs are made with a combination of minced beef, breadcrumbs, cream, and seasonings, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Meatballs Lihapullat has been a staple in Finnish cuisine for generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe. It is often served at family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions, bringing people together over a comforting and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

500 g minced beef
1 dcl fine dry breadcrumbs or two slices of white bread
1 dcl cream
1 onion
1 tblsp oil
1 egg
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp allspice or white pepper

Gravy

2 tblsp fat
2 tblsp flour
4 dcl pan juices

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs and cream. Let it stand for a while.
Finely chop the onion and sauté it in oil in a frying pan or microwave oven.
Add the sautéed onion, egg, seasonings, and meat to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until smooth.
Wet your hands and shape the mixture into balls.
Fry the meatballs in hot fat, turning them to cook on all sides. Small balls will be done in 3-5 minutes, while larger ones will take 5-8 minutes.
To make the gravy, lightly brown the flour in fat. Add the liquid while stirring continuously. Season to taste.
The gravy can be served separately or poured over the meatballs.
Serve the meatballs with potatoes, grated carrots, lingonberry jam, and gherkins.

Variations

Substitute minced pork or a combination of pork and beef for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to the meatball mixture for a burst of freshness.
Serve the meatballs with a creamy mushroom sauce for a decadent twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the breadcrumb and cream mixture well to ensure a smooth texture for the meatballs.

- Wetting your hands before shaping the meatballs will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.

- Fry the meatballs in hot fat to achieve a crispy and golden brown exterior.

- For a richer flavor, sauté the onion until caramelized before adding it to the meatball mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Meatballs Lihapullat with boiled potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickled gherkins for a traditional Finnish meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the meatballs in hot fat ensures a crispy exterior and juicy interior, creating a delicious texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious dish.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the meatballs on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Meatballs Lihapullat pair well with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Meatballs Lihapullat contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Meatballs Lihapullat contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Meatballs Lihapullat contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Meatballs Lihapullat contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Meatballs Lihapullat are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten and dairy.

Summary

Meatballs Lihapullat are a nutritious and satisfying meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, making them a wholesome choice for a hearty meal.

Summary

Meatballs Lihapullat are a classic Finnish dish that is loved for its savory flavors and comforting appeal. With a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy these meatballs with your favorite side dishes for a hearty and wholesome meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and I always loved spending time with her, chatting and sharing recipes. On that particular day, she was making her famous Meatballs Lihapullat, and the delicious aroma wafting through the kitchen had my mouth watering.

As Maria rolled the meatballs and placed them on the baking sheet, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. She smiled and handed me a tattered old recipe card, explaining that it had been passed down through her family for generations. I thanked her profusely and promised to cherish it forever.

I couldn't wait to try making the Meatballs Lihapullat at home. The recipe was simple, but I knew that the secret to making them truly special lay in the love and care put into each step. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work, my hands moving deftly as I mixed the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and spices together.

As I shaped the mixture into small balls, memories of my own grandmother flooded my mind. She was the one who had first sparked my love for cooking, teaching me the importance of quality ingredients and patience in the kitchen. I could almost hear her voice guiding me as I browned the meatballs in a skillet, the sizzle of the hot oil filling the air.

Once the meatballs were golden brown and cooked through, I transferred them to a simmering pot of rich tomato sauce. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew that I had done justice to Maria's cherished recipe. I let the meatballs simmer for a while, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a dish that was truly comforting and delicious.

When the Meatballs Lihapullat were finally ready, I couldn't resist taking a bite right away. The tender meatballs practically melted in my mouth, the savory flavor of the beef mingling perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce. I closed my eyes and savored each mouthful, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over me.

From that day on, Meatballs Lihapullat became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would often make them for family gatherings and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from my guests. Each time I prepared them, I would think of Maria and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking.

Years passed, and my own grandchildren would often come over to watch me make Meatballs Lihapullat in the kitchen. I would tell them stories of Maria and my grandmother, passing down the recipe and the memories that came with it. Cooking had always been a way for me to connect with loved ones, and I hoped that my grandchildren would carry on that tradition in their own lives.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the many recipes I have collected over the years, I realize that the most precious ones are the ones that come with a story. The recipe for Meatballs Lihapullat may have originated with Maria, but it has become a part of my own culinary journey, a reminder of the friendships and memories that have enriched my life.

I am grateful for the moments shared in the kitchen, for the laughter and love that have infused each dish I have ever made. And as I prepare to pass on my recipes to the next generation, I know that the tradition of cooking will continue to bring joy and connection to our family for years to come.