Recipe for my grandmother's best meatballs

This is the recipe for Emma's grandmother's meatballs - a recipe that Emma's whole family just loves. They are not fancy in any way, but just exactly how a Danish meatball can and should taste. Emma's grandmother uses a very simple recipe, and that is also the one shared here. So now you can all make the second best meatballs in the universe. First place, it still stands undefeated, because the mysterious thing is that no one can really make meatballs taste quite as good as grandma's. Even if you use exactly the same ingredients and method, they just never taste like hers. Maybe we are missing that last sprinkle of grandma's love as the secret ingredient? Who knows? Fortunately, it doesn't matter that much, because even though the meatballs never quite reach grandma Gerda's level, they are still stellar. 

How to make meatballs

Meatballs are made from minced meat. You can use any type of meat and make beef patties, fish cakes or chicken meatballs. But the traditional Danish meatball is made from minced pork, sometimes a mixture of veal and pork. The minced meat is mixed with onion, milk, eggs and flour to a soft mince. Always season with salt and pepper and other spices if you like. Then the mince must be allowed to sit in the fridge so that it really absorbs the flavors and is easier to shape into meatballs in the size you prefer. In this recipe, the meatballs are fried in a mixture of butter and oil, which gives a good taste and a perfect frying crust. Then they can be enjoyed hot, lukewarm or cold, depending on how you want to serve them. 

Meatballs with spices

It's easy to vary the recipe with different spices. There are almost no limits to the spices you can play with, but fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, parsley, rosemary, basil and sage will taste great. You can also easily create other flavors by adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, pesto or cheese for the stuffing. For example, try the popular recipe for Greek meatballs with feta or these Asian spiced meatballs.  

TIP: Also try making vegetable dishes such as squash meatballs, beetroot steaks or risotto dishes

Tips for the best meatballs

• Grate the onion to avoid large pieces of onion. A regular grater will work, but you can also choose to chop the onion very finely.
• Fry the slices in a mixture of butter and oil. This gives both a good flavor and the best crust. 
• Speaking of roast crust: Make sure they get just that. That's how they taste best; With a crispy, golden exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior.
• The dumplings can be easily formed with a tablespoon in the palm of your hand before dumping them onto the pan. If you find that the stuffing sticks to your spoon or hand, you can dip the spoon in a little oil or melted butter before forming the stuffing. 

Frequently asked questions about meatballs

How much salt in meatballs?

It can be difficult to estimate how much salt is needed in the minced meat, which is why the amount is stated in grams. However, you can choose to start by frying a small "test piece" of the minced meat and taste it. This way you can ensure that you have added the right amount of salt. 

How long should meatballs be fried? 

They should have a nice, golden and crispy crust, and of course they should be cooked through. You can check by cutting the largest meatball.The time it takes for the meat to cook through can vary. It's a good idea to cook them over medium heat, and then give them a little longer so the outside doesn't burn before the meat inside is cooked through. Typically it will take about 5 minutes on each side, but that's just an estimate. 

How long should meatballs be in the oven?

You can cook meatballs in the oven. They should take about 8-12 minutes at 175 degrees, depending on the size you make them. 

What do you eat with meatballs?

The classic way to serve meatballs is with boiled potatoes and a sauce. It can be a brown or white sauce like stewed peas and carrots. However, you can also serve other side dishes for the meatballs. Salads, oven-baked root vegetables, or whatever you're in the mood for. And they also taste fantastic on sandwiches or cold in your lunchbox the next day.