Traditional German Königsberger Klopse Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g lean ground beef
  • 2 bread rolls, from the previous day
  • 1 onion
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1.5 liters of beef broth
  • 50g butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 200ml cream
  • 3 tablespoons capers
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 egg yolks
  • Sugar to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the bread rolls in water until they are soft.
  2. Finely chop the onion and mix half of it with the ground beef, eggs, soaked rolls, anchovy paste, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Form small balls from the meat mixture.
  4. Bring the beef broth to a boil in a large pot.
  5. Reduce heat to simmer and carefully add the meatballs to the broth. Let them simmer for about 20 minutes.
  6. Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon and set them aside.
  7. In a separate pan, melt the butter and sauté the remaining half of the onion until translucent.
  8. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for a couple of minutes until golden.
  9. Gradually whisk the beef broth into the roux, stirring until the sauce is smooth.
  10. Add the cream, capers and lemon juice to the sauce, then season to taste with salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar.
  11. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens.
  12. Beat the egg yolks in a small bowl. Take a spoonful of the hot sauce and slowly stir it into the egg yolks to temper them.
  13. Gradually whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the sauce. Heat gently, stirring constantly, until the sauce is creamy. Do not let it boil.
  14. Add the meatballs back into the sauce and heat through before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - For combining the ground beef, soaked bread rolls, and other ingredients.
  • Large pot - To boil the beef broth and cook the meatballs.
  • Slotted spoon - For removing the meatballs from the broth.
  • Pan - To melt the butter and sauté the onions for the sauce.
  • Whisk - To stir and smooth out the sauce.
  • Small bowl - For beating the egg yolks and tempering them with the hot sauce.

Recipe variations

  • Use ground pork or a combination of ground pork and beef instead of lean ground beef.
  • Replace the bread rolls with breadcrumbs or panko for a different texture.
  • Add some finely chopped parsley or dill to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
  • Omit the anchovy paste for a fish-free option.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Add some grated lemon zest to the sauce for a brighter flavor.
  • Serve the Königsberger Klopse over mashed potatoes or noodles instead of with the sauce.
  • Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Replace the capers with chopped pickles or olives for a different twist.

Recipe overview

This classic German dish, Königsberger Klopse, is a comforting, savory delight. Named for the city of Königsberg (now Kaliningrad), this recipe features tender meatballs made from ground beef and bread, simmered in a rich, creamy broth infused with capers and lemon. With its perfectly balanced flavors, this hearty dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The recipe is straightforward and manageable, even for beginners. Expect a delectable meal that will introduce you to the heart and soul of traditional German cuisine. Enjoy these Königsberger Klopse as a main course, served with boiled potatoes or rice for a complete meal.

Common questions

  1. Can I use bread crumbs instead of bread rolls? - Yes, you can substitute bread crumbs for the bread rolls. Use about 1 cup of bread crumbs for this recipe.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat? - Yes, you can use ground pork or a mixture of ground pork and beef for a different flavor.
  3. Can I omit the anchovy paste? - Yes, the anchovy paste is optional. It adds a subtle umami flavor, but the recipe will still be delicious without it.
  4. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth? - Yes, you can use vegetable broth as a vegetarian alternative. However, the flavor will be slightly different.
  5. Can I freeze the meatballs? - Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Make sure they have cooled completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? - Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove before adding the meatballs.
  7. Can I serve Königsberger Klopse with a side dish? - Yes, traditionally, Königsberger Klopse are served with boiled potatoes or mashed potatoes. You can also serve them with rice or noodles.
  8. Can I garnish the dish with anything? - Yes, you can garnish the Königsberger Klopse with chopped parsley or dill for added freshness and flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - For boiling the beef broth and cooking the meatballs.
  • Slotted spoon - To remove the meatballs from the broth.
  • Separate pan - For sautéing the onions and making the roux for the sauce.
  • Whisk - To stir and blend the ingredients when making the sauce.
  • Small bowl - For beating the egg yolks and tempering them before adding to the sauce.

Origin stories

Königsberger Klopse, these delightful meatballs in a creamy caper sauce, hold a regal place in the culinary heritage of East Prussia, specifically the city of Königsberg, now known as Kaliningrad. The recipe is said to have been a favorite of the philosopher Immanuel Kant, a native of Königsberg, who was reputed to have had a love for routine and a penchant for robust, hearty meals. Stories passed through the ages suggest that Kant was so enamored by this dish that he would adjust his famously rigid schedule to ensure he was home whenever his cook prepared the beloved Klopse. As you savor each flavorful bite, you find yourself dining in the company of philosophers, kings, and ordinary Prussian folk who have enjoyed this comfort food for centuries.

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.