Kjøttkaker is a traditional Norwegian dinner dish that consists of deliciously seasoned meatballs, these can be made from a mixture of ground beef, pork, or veal.

The meatballs are typically served with a rich and creamy brown gravy made from a roux of butter, flour, and beef broth. Kjøttkaker is usually served with boiled or mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and a side of vegetables such as carrots, peas, or green beans. This hearty and flavorful meal is a beloved staple of Norwegian cuisine and is enjoyed by families and friends alike.

How to make (4 portions)

Meatballs
400 g minced meat
1 teaspoon of salt
0.25 tsp pepper
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
0.25 tsp ground ginger
2 tablespoons of potato flour (regular flour also works)
1.5 dl water or milk

Brown sauce:
4 tablespoons of butter
4 tablespoons of wheat flour
1 litre broth or broth
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper

Green pea puree:
1 pk frozen peas (400 g)
1 dl meat broth (mixed out) (1 dl water + ½ meat bouillon cube)
1 tablespoon of butter
0.25 tsp pepper

1. Use a food processor. Put all the ingredients in the bowl and process for 10-20 seconds, until the meat mix is smooth and fine.
You can also make the mix by hand: Stir salt well into the minced meat. Stir in spices and potato flour and add milk or water, a little at a time.

2. Shape the meat mix into round cakes using a spoon, your hand, and cold water.

3. In a medium-hot frying pan fry the kjøttkaker with butter for approx. 5 minutes on each side until they have got a nice browning and hold their shape.

4. Make brown sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan. Add wheat flour and brown over low heat until the mixture turns a nut brown colour. Then add hot beef stock or broth, and stir well between each sparing. Let the sauce simmer for approx. 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. For deeper color, add a few drops of Sukkerkulør, caramelized food coloring.  

5. Place the kjøttkaker into the brown sauce and let them soak for approx. 10-15 minutes (until they are cooked through).

6. Boil frozen peas in meat broth for the pea stew. Mash everything with an immersion blender or food processor. You can also use a potato masher. Add in butter to taste, and season with pepper.

Serve the meatballs with brown gravy, boiled potatoes, green pea puree and stirred cranberries.