Finnish Meatballs (Lihapyorykoita) Recipe
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Loading... - Mandy Kappel
- 13 Aug 2024
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Meatballs are a staple in many cuisines around the world, and Finland is no exception. In fact, Finnish meatballs, or lihapyorykoita, are a beloved national dish that's often served with a side of mashed potatoes, beets, and cranberry sauce. This recipe is a traditional take on this classic Finnish dish, with a few personal touches added in for good measure.
Importance of Beets and Mashed Potatoes
In Finland, beets and mashed potatoes are an integral part of the meatball dish. The sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the meatballs, while the mashed potatoes add a comforting and filling element to the meal. To make this dish truly authentic, be sure to include these ingredients in your recipe.
This recipe makes about 20-25 meatballs, which should be enough for 4-6 servings. You can adjust the ingredient quantities as needed to feed a larger or smaller crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 yellow onion, minced
- 1 egg
- ½ cup whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup whipping cream
Directions:
- Mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, cream, salt, and allspice in a bowl with your hands until evenly mixed. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook about half the meatballs in the melted butter until evenly browned on all sides, 5-7 minutes; remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining meatballs, keeping the liquid in the skillet when finished.
- Sift the flour into the skillet drippings; cook the flour in the skillet drippings until brown, 2-3 minutes. Slowly stream the milk into the skillet while whisking vigorously; pour the cream into the mixture and stir until smooth. If you aren't good at making gravy and end up with some lumps, you can pour the gravy through a strainer. Return all the meatballs to the skillet; stir to coat with the gravy. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the meatballs are cooked through, 15-20 minutes.
Tips and Variations:
- To make the dish more authentic, serve the meatballs with a side of mashed potatoes, beets, and cranberry sauce.
- If you're not a fan of beets, you can substitute them with another root vegetable, such as carrots or parsnips.
- To add some extra flavor to the meatballs, try adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to the mixture.
- If you're short on time, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day or freeze them for up to a month. Simply thaw and reheat them when you're ready to serve.
Finnish meatballs, or lihapyorykoita, are a hearty and flavorful traditional dish that's sure to become a family favorite. With its rich flavors and comforting ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a cold winter's night or a special occasion.
