FRIKADELLEN



This photo is from http://www.gedankensprudler.de/?id=5874
but closely resembles my own recipe and serving ideas.
I like that she added caraway seeds to the brussel sprouts. Mmmm.



Share one of you families favorite dinners.

I thought my Aunt Jean had made up the name for these.  My mom used to call them "space burgers" 'cause the recipe used bread crumbs to take up space.  This was one of my favorites growing up.

German in origin, I'm guessing it is similar to German Meatballs (also known as frikadellen), but looks more like a hamburger patty.  I cook mine in a cast iron skillet and add stuff like mushrooms or diced onions even though there's chopped onions in the patty. 

Here's my recipe for Frikadellen

1 - 1 1/2 lb ground meat... beef, pork or lamb... whatever you have.
1 egg slightly beaten
1/4 finely chopped sweet onion or leek or green onion
1/4 c milk (can use a little yogurt/milk mixture)
1+ dry bread crumbs... don't need to be real crispy... I use old heels or crumbs from the bread board after my husband cuts his bread I save all the crumbs.
I add here spices... salt, pepper, paprika, parsley... anything you like to taste.

Mix egg, milk and breadcrumbs together then add all other ingredients and mix well.
Form into small patties 3" round and about 1" thick and fry all together in skillet. 
You can cook your mushrooms or onions right with the patties, or you can cook those afterwards in the pan drippings.  Keep patties warm in oven.  Don't overcook.  Use any pan drippings to make a light gravy to pour over patties and veggies.

We serve ours with whatever vegetables we have on hand, but my favorite side dish with this is something from the cabbage family and if you like potoatoes the gravy is nice over potatoes or mashed squash.  Mmmmm.  It's one of my most favorite dinners.