Classic Swedish Biff à la Lindström Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g Ground Beef
  • 1 Yellow Onion, finely chopped
  • 1 Egg
  • 50g Breadcrumbs
  • 50ml Cream
  • 2 Pickled Beetroots, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Pickled Beetroot Juice
  • 2 tablespoons Capers, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Mustard
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste
  • Butter for Frying
  • Parsley for Garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, finely chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, and cream together until well combined. Allow the mixture to rest for about 20 minutes.
  2. Add the finely chopped pickled beetroots, pickled beetroot juice, finely chopped capers, and mustard to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Shape the mixture into patties of your preferred size. This recipe should yield about 8 medium-sized patties.
  4. In a frying pan, heat some butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the patties.
  5. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they're browned and cooked through.
  6. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
  7. Serve the Biff à la Lindström patties hot, garnished with parsley. These patties can be enjoyed with potatoes or bread.

Tools for making

  • Large Bowl - A large bowl will be needed to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Frying Pan - A frying pan is required to cook the patties.
  • Paper Towels - Paper towels are useful for draining excess fat from the cooked patties.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to finely chop the onion, pickled beetroots, and capers.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping the ingredients.
  • Spatula - A spatula is useful for flipping and handling the patties while cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure ingredients like mustard and pickled beetroot juice.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Variation: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat.
  • Spicy Variation: Add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick.
  • Cheesy Variation: Place a small cube of cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) in the center of each patty before shaping them. The cheese will melt and create a delicious surprise inside.
  • Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • Herb Variation: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the mixture for an added burst of flavor.
  • Crunchy Variation: Coat the patties with crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs before frying to give them a crispy crust.
  • Smoky Variation: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the mixture for a smoky flavor.
  • Stuffed Variation: Make larger patties and create a stuffed version by adding a filling of your choice, such as sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or feta cheese.

Recipe overview

"Biff à la Lindström is a delightful Swedish dish that promises to not only fill your stomach but also warm your heart. Made with rich ground beef, tangy pickled beetroots, and aromatic capers, these pan-fried patties are a delicious melding of flavors that will excite your palate. The preparation process is straightforward, making this an accessible dish for any home cook. Expect to create juicy and flavorful patties that are perfect for a hearty dinner. Serve these with potatoes or bread, and you've got a meal that will surely impress!"

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or even a meat substitute like tofu crumbles if you prefer.
  2. Can I substitute the pickled beetroots with fresh beetroots? While traditionally made with pickled beetroots, you can use fresh beetroots as well. Just make sure to cook and finely chop them before adding to the mixture.
  3. Can I omit the mustard? If you're not a fan of mustard, you can omit it from the recipe. However, keep in mind that it adds a unique tangy flavor to the patties.
  4. Can I prepare the patties in advance? Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap.
  5. Can I freeze the cooked patties? Yes, you can freeze the cooked patties. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Frying Pan - A pan to fry the patties.
  • Spatula - A utensil to flip the patties while cooking.
  • Paper Towels - To drain excess fat from the patties after cooking.
  • Plate - To serve the Biff à la Lindström patties.
  • Knife - To chop onions, beetroots, and capers.
  • Cutting Board - To chop ingredients on.

Origin stories

Biff à la Lindström is a classic Swedish dish, believed to have been created by a man named Henrik Lindström. The intriguing part, however, is that Lindström was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, to Swedish parents. After spending most of his life in Russia, he returned to Sweden as an adult and introduced this beetroot and caper-flavored hamburger steak. Thus, while the dish is quintessentially Swedish, it owes its origins to a man who spent his formative years immersed in Russian culture. The blending of these two cultural influences is beautifully embodied in the vibrant flavors of Biff à la Lindström.

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.