Finnish Meatballs Lihapyorykoita
Experience the rich and comforting flavors of Finnish Meatballs, or Lihapyöryköitä, a traditional Nordic dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. These tender, golden-browned meatballs are crafted from a harmonious blend of ground beef and pork, enhanced by warm notes of allspice and the sweetness of sautéed onions. A creamy, savory gravy made from beef stock and a touch of heavy cream envelops the meatballs, creating a luscious sauce that's irresistibly comforting. Pair these Finnish delicacies with buttery mashed potatoes and tart lingonberry jam for an authentic taste of Scandinavian cuisine. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, Lihapyöryköitä is a family-friendly meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Finland! Keywords: Finnish meatballs, Lihapyöryköitä recipe, Nordic cuisine, traditional Scandinavian dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 250 g ground pork
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 tbsp butter
- 100 ml breadcrumbs
- 100 ml milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 500 ml beef stock
- 50 ml heavy cream
- lingonberry jam (optional, for serving)
- mashed potatoes (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and soften.
Finely dice the onion. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent and softened, about 5 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed onion, egg, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently to avoid overworking the meat.
With your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes per batch. Remove the browned meatballs and set them aside.
To make the gravy, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the beef stock, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the gravy.
Serve the Finnish Meatballs hot with a side of mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
789 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.5 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.0 g | 115% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 208 mg | 69% | |
| Sodium | 1307 mg | 57% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.8 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 38.8 g | 78% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 96 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 691 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
