Traditional Danish Kødboller: A Delicious and Comforting Meatball Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of ground pork
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of butter for frying
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour for dusting
  • 1/2 cup of beef broth for deglazing

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, and milk.
  2. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Form the mixture into small, round meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Dust each meatball lightly with all-purpose flour.
  4. Heat the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the meatballs.
  5. Cook the meatballs, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
  6. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside. Keep the pan on the heat.
  7. Add the beef broth to the pan, scraping the bottom of the pan with a spatula to loosen any browned bits. This is called deglazing.
  8. Allow the broth to simmer for a few minutes until it has reduced slightly. This will be your sauce.
  9. Return the meatballs to the pan, stirring them in the sauce to coat. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes until the meatballs are heated through.
  10. Remove from heat and serve the Kødboller hot, with the sauce poured over the top.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use ground beef or a combination of ground beef and pork instead of just pork.
  • Add finely chopped herbs such as parsley, dill, or thyme to the meatball mixture for added flavor.
  • Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
  • Try using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
  • Add grated cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, to the meatball mixture for a cheesy twist.
  • Make a creamy sauce by mixing the beef broth with heavy cream or sour cream.
  • For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the ground meat with cooked and mashed chickpeas or lentils.
  • Experiment with different spices and seasonings like paprika, cumin, or nutmeg to customize the flavor profile.
  • Serve the meatballs with a different sauce, such as marinara, barbecue, or sweet and sour.

Recipe overview

This is a traditional Danish recipe for Kødboller or Danish meatballs. These flavorful meatballs are made with ground pork, onion, and garlic, then lightly dusted with flour and pan-fried until golden brown. The pan is then deglazed with beef broth to create a delicious sauce that coats the meatballs perfectly. Enjoy these meatballs as a hearty main course or as a tasty appetizer. This recipe serves four people and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings. Expect to spend around 30 minutes in the kitchen to prepare and cook this delightful dish.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground pork? Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground beef, chicken, turkey, or a combination of meats according to your preference.
  2. Can I use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought breadcrumbs? Yes, you can use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought. Simply take a few slices of bread, remove the crust, and process them in a food processor until you have fine breadcrumbs.
  3. Can I freeze the Kødboller? Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Allow them to cool, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  4. What can I serve with Kødboller? Kødboller are often served with boiled potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or rice. They can also be paired with lingonberry sauce, pickles, and a side salad for a traditional Danish meal.
  5. Can I make the Kødboller in advance? Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking the meatballs. This can be convenient for meal planning or when hosting guests.
  6. Can I bake the Kødboller instead of frying them? Yes, if you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the ground pork and other ingredients.
  • Frying Pan - A large pan for frying the meatballs.
  • Spatula - Used for flipping and stirring the meatballs while cooking.
  • Measuring Cup - To measure the milk and breadcrumbs accurately.
  • Knife - For finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
  • Cutting Board - Provides a surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Flour Shaker - Used for dusting the meatballs with flour before frying.
  • Serving Plate - A plate or platter for presenting the Kødboller.
  • Gravy Boat - Optional, but useful for pouring the sauce over the meatballs.

Origin stories

Kødboller, or Danish meatballs, are a staple of Danish cuisine, as emblematic of the country as the Viking heritage. In fact, they've been part of the Danish diet since time immemorial, long before the Vikings set off on their world explorations. What distinguishes Kødboller from meatballs of other cuisines is their simplistic design, a testament to traditional Danish pragmatism: they are not embellished with exotic spices or condiments, but rather, they contain basic ingredients - pork, onions, breadcrumbs, and a bit of egg. This humble dish, served with potatoes and pickled red cabbage, is a comforting reminder of home for many Danes. It's said that on a cold, dark night in Denmark, a hearty plate of Kødboller can bring a glimmer of the famed Danish 'Hygge', a sense of cozy contentment and wellbeing.

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.