Authentic Bavarian Fleischpflanzerl Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of ground pork
  • 500 grams of ground beef
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 slices of stale white bread
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 bunch of parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
  • 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the stale bread slices in the milk until they are completely saturated.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, and soaked bread slices.
  3. Add the eggs, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the meat mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Shape the meat mixture into patties, each about 1 inch thick.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  6. Cook the patties in the heated oil for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and fully cooked through.
  7. Drain the cooked patties on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  8. Serve the Fleischpflanzerl hot with your choice of side dishes.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the meat mixture and other ingredients.
  • Frying Pan - A large pan for cooking the Fleischpflanzerl patties.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for finely chopping the onion and parsley.
  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Garlic Press - A tool for mincing the garlic cloves.
  • Measuring Cup - A cup for accurately measuring the milk.
  • Measuring Spoons - Spoons for measuring the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Spatula - A utensil for flipping and transferring the patties while cooking.
  • Paper Towels - Absorbent towels for draining excess oil from the cooked patties.

Recipe variations

  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork and beef for a lighter option.
  • Add grated cheese such as cheddar or Parmesan to the meat mixture for added flavor.
  • Replace the stale white bread with breadcrumbs or panko for a different texture.
  • Add finely diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy twist.
  • Include diced mushrooms in the meat mixture for added moisture and flavor.
  • Coat the Fleischpflanzerl in breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before frying for a crispy crust.
  • Make a vegetarian version using a mixture of cooked and mashed vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and potatoes as a substitute for the meat.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika to customize the flavor profile.
  • Serve the Fleischpflanzerl with a side of creamy mushroom sauce or spicy tomato chutney for an extra kick.

Recipe overview

Fleischpflanzerl is a classic German dish, also known as Bavarian meatballs. They're made from a flavorful blend of ground pork and beef, mixed with soaked stale bread, onions, garlic, eggs, and seasonings. The mixture is then formed into thick patties and fried until crispy and browned. These meatballs are a staple in traditional German cuisine and are often served with a variety of side dishes like mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or a simple green salad. With this recipe, you'll learn how to prepare authentic Fleischpflanzerl in your own kitchen. Enjoy the delicious flavors and hearty satisfaction of this traditional dish!

Common questions

  1. How do I make the meat mixture stick together? Make sure to soak the stale bread slices in milk until they are completely saturated. This will help bind the meat mixture together.
  2. Can I use different types of ground meat? Yes, you can customize the recipe by using different combinations of ground meat such as pork, beef, veal, or a mixture of these.
  3. What can I use instead of stale white bread? If you don't have stale white bread, you can use fresh bread, but make sure to remove the crusts and soak it in milk for a few minutes before adding it to the meat mixture.
  4. Can I make the patties ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to cook. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent drying out.
  5. Can I bake the Fleischpflanzerl instead of frying? While traditionally they are fried, you can also bake the patties in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.
  6. What can I serve with Fleischpflanzerl? Fleischpflanzerl goes well with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, German potato salad, or a fresh green salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
  • Frying Pan - A large frying pan for cooking the Fleischpflanzerl patties.
  • Spatula - A utensil used for flipping and turning the patties while cooking.
  • Paper Towels - Used for draining the cooked patties and removing excess oil.

Origin stories

Fleischpflanzerl, a mouthful to pronounce for non-German speakers, is a traditional Bavarian dish that has embedded itself deeply into the heart of German cuisine. The name translates to "meat plants" but don’t let the peculiar name fool you - it refers to hearty meat patties, not some bizarre carnivorous vegetation! Despite their simplicity, these patties carry a stamp of regional identity. They go by different names in different parts of Germany: Buletten in Berlin, Frikadellen in the Rhine area or Fleischküchle in Swabia. The recipe has been passed down through generations, each adding their own little tweak, making Fleischpflanzerl a versatile dish that can suit a variety of tastes. One thing remains constant though - the comforting, homey feel that accompanies each bite. It’s a humble reminder of the rich culinary heritage of Germany and its ability to turn simple, everyday ingredients into a homely feast.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.