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. Meatballs are 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 servings)
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 liter of broth or stock
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 mixture into round cakes using a spoon, your hand, and cold water.
3. In a medium-hot frying pan fry the meatballs 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 addition. Let the sauce simmer for approx. 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. For deeper colour, add a few drops of Sukkerkulør , caramelized food colouring.
5. Place the meatballs 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 .
