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Norwegian Meatballs in Brown Gravy (Kjøttkaker)

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Fried and Simmered
  • Cuisine: Norwegian
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Tender Norwegian meatballs simmered in a rich brown gravy, a classic comfort dish known as kjøttkaker, perfect with potatoes and cabbage stew.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Warm a heavy skillet over medium heat and have all your ingredients ready.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk, then stir in onion, egg, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Add ground meats and mix gently.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the skillet, ready for browning.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Shape mixture into large, slightly flattened meatballs. Place in the skillet.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Brown meatballs on all sides until golden, then set aside. In the same pan, add remaining butter and flour, whisking into a roux. Slowly pour in broth, whisking constantly. Stir in cream, then return meatballs to the pan and simmer until cooked through.
  6. Finishing Touches: Taste gravy, adjust seasoning, and let sauce thicken to desired consistency.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate with mashed potatoes or cabbage stew, spooning extra gravy generously.

Notes

  • Use a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor.
  • Whisk continuously while making the roux to avoid lumps.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of broth or cream.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Norwegian meatballs, kjøttkaker, brown gravy, Scandinavian comfort food, traditional Norwegian recipe