The History of Frikadelle & Recipe

Frikadelle, also known as Frikadeller, is a traditional dish with a history rooted in Northern European cuisine, particularly in Denmark, Germany, and other Scandinavian countries. The name "frikadelle" is commonly used in Denmark, while in Germany, they are known as "Frikadellen."

The dish can be traced back several centuries and has its roots in the broader European meatball tradition. Meatballs have been a popular food item across various cultures, often made by combining ground meat with various seasonings and binding agents.


In Northern Europe, frikadelle became a staple in everyday cooking, with regional variations in ingredients and preparation methods. The basic recipe typically involves ground meat, often a mixture of beef and pork, combined with breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, and various spices such as salt, pepper, and sometimes nutmeg.


Frikadeller are usually shaped into flat, round patties and then fried until golden brown. They are commonly served with a variety of side dishes, such as potatoes, gravy, and vegetables. The dish has become a comfort food in many households, appreciated for its simplicity and versatility.

While frikadelle has historical roots, its popularity persists, and it continues to be a beloved dish in modern Northern European cuisine. Each region and family might have its unique twist on the recipe, adding to the diversity of this traditional dish.

Basic Recipe for Danish-Style frikadeller;

Ingredients:

• 500g ground meat (a mix of beef and pork is traditional)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Butter or oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix everything together thoroughly. You can use your hands or a spoon.
3. Once the mixture is well combined, let it rest for about 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the mixture easier to handle.
4. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of butter or oil.
5. Take a portion of the meat mixture and shape it into a flat, round patty. The size can vary based on your preference.
6. Place the patties in the hot pan and fry until they are golden brown on both sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your frikadeller.
7. Once cooked, transfer the frikadeller to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
8. Serve the frikadeller hot with your favorite side dishes. They are often enjoyed with potatoes, gravy, and vegetables.

Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding herbs or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste. Enjoy your homemade frikadeller!

Here are some frikadelle recipe youtube videos;

How To make Frikadelle;

Frikadellen Recipe;

Frikadellen - German Meatballs Recipe;

Danish Meatballs - Frikadeller;

Minced Beef Frikkadel;

References;

1.  Edyta (2022-05-09). "Polish Meatballs (aka Kotlety Mielone)". Eating European. Retrieved 2023-06-04.
2. "frikadell | SAOB" (in Swedish). Retrieved 2021-12-22.
3. "Frikadelle". www.dwds.de. Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. Retrieved 2017-01-11.
4. Éric Boschman; Nathalie Derny (2008) "La Fricadelle", Le Goût des Belges, vol. 2, p. 33, Éditions Racine ISBN 978-2-87386-525-2 (in French)
5. Delcourt-Angélique, Janine; Delcourt, Christian (2006). "Georges Simenon et le français de Belgique". Revue belge de philologie et d'histoire (in French). 84: 808. Retrieved 28 March 2014.

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