Danish Frikadeller with Red Cabbage

Name: Danish Frikadeller with Red Cabbage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small red cabbage, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup apple juice; 2 tbsp sugar; 1/2 tsp caraway seeds; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 4

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Welcome to the delightful world of Danish cuisine! Today, we're making Frikadeller, a traditional Danish meatball, paired with sweet and tangy red cabbage. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, bringing a touch of Scandinavian charm to your table.

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Ingredients for Danish Frikadeller with Red Cabbage

Ground pork provides a rich, savory base for the Frikadeller, offering just the right amount of fat for juicy meatballs. Onion adds a subtle sweetness and moisture, while breadcrumbs help bind everything together. A splash of milk keeps the mixture tender, and an egg acts as an additional binder. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg for warmth.

For the red cabbage, start with a small red cabbage, which is the star of the side dish. The combination of apple cider vinegar and apple juice lends a tangy sweetness, while sugar balances the acidity. Caraway seeds add a hint of earthiness, and don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Tricks

Grate the onion finely to ensure it blends seamlessly into the meat mixture.
For extra moisture, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for a few minutes before adding to the mix.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they're cooked through.
Keep the Frikadeller warm in a low oven while you prepare the cabbage.

Serving Suggestions

Frikadeller pairs wonderfully with boiled potatoes or a rustic rye bread. A dollop of creamy mustard or a side of lingonberry jam can add an extra layer of flavor. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple green salad to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?: Yes, you can substitute with ground beef or a mix of pork and beef for a different flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers?: Store the cooked Frikadeller and cabbage in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze the Frikadeller?: Yes, freeze the cooked Frikadeller in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be reheated directly from frozen.

Danish Frikadeller with Red Cabbage Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering all your ingredients to streamline the process. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix everything until it's just combined — overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

Once mixed, shape the pork mixture into small, uniform patties, about 3 inches in diameter. Try to keep them all the same size so they cook evenly.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted and starts to sizzle, gently place the patties in the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they're golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked Frikadeller from the skillet and keep them warm.

Using the same skillet, add the sliced red cabbage along with the apple cider vinegar, apple juice, sugar, and caraway seeds. Stir everything together and let it cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the cabbage to soften and the liquid to reduce, which should take about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

To serve, place the warm Frikadeller on a plate with a generous side of the flavorful red cabbage. Enjoy the delightful balance of flavors!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Simple ingredients, big impact.
Authentic taste of Denmark in your own kitchen.
Great for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

1 lb ground pork

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup milk

1 egg

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small red cabbage, thinly sliced

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup apple juice

2 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp caraway seeds

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.

2. Shape the mixture into small patties, about 3 inches in diameter.

3. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

4. Fry the patties in the skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Remove patties from the skillet and keep warm.

6. In the same skillet, add sliced red cabbage, apple cider vinegar, apple juice, sugar, and caraway seeds.

7. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the liquid has reduced, about 20 minutes.