Die deutsche Küche, or German cuisine, is renowned for its hearty and flavorful dishes that celebrate tradition and regional flavors. One such classic dish that embodies the essence of German comfort food is “Frikadellen.” These savory meatballs, typically pan-fried, take a delightful twist in this recipe as we explore the equally delicious and convenient method of baking them in the oven. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that combines simplicity with robust flavors in our Frikadellen aus dem Ofen recipe.
Ingredients:
Before we delve into the steps of preparation, let’s gather the essential ingredients for our Frikadellen aus dem Ofen:
- 500g ground beef
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 slices of white bread, soaked in water and squeezed dry
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For the glaze: 2 tablespoons ketchup mixed with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F). This ensures that the Frikadellen cook evenly and develop a delightful crust.
- Prepare the Bread Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked and squeezed white bread with milk, creating a soft mixture. This mixture acts as a binder, keeping the Frikadellen moist and flavorful.
- Mix the Meat Base: Add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the bread mixture. Using your hands, gently combine all the ingredients until well incorporated.
- Shape the Frikadellen: With slightly wet hands, form the meat mixture into medium-sized meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Create the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and Dijon mustard to create a flavorful glaze for the Frikadellen. Set aside for later.
- Bake in the Oven: Drizzle vegetable oil over the Frikadellen to promote browning and a crisp texture. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. Remember to turn them halfway through the baking time to ensure uniform cooking.
- Apply the Glaze: Around the 15-minute mark, brush the Frikadellen with the prepared ketchup and Dijon mustard glaze. This step enhances the flavor profile and adds a glossy finish to the meatballs. Return them to the oven to finish baking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the Frikadellen are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and succulent texture. Serve the Frikadellen aus dem Ofen with your favorite side dishes, such as Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) or Sauerkraut.
Conclusion:
Frikadellen aus dem Ofen is a delightful twist on the traditional German meatballs, offering a convenient and equally delicious alternative to the classic pan-frying method. The combination of flavorful ingredients, the aromatic glaze, and the oven-baking technique result in meatballs that are not only succulent but also hassle-free to prepare. So, whether you’re a fan of German cuisine or simply looking to add a new and tasty dish to your repertoire, give this Frikadellen aus dem Ofen recipe a try. Guten Appetit!