| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 645 | 40g | 14g | 43g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 6g | 31g | 1.5g |
Why I Love German Meatballs with Fried Potatoes
As a fan of heart-warming meals, I can’t help but be charmed by the simplicity and robust flavors of a classic German dish: Meatballs with Fried Potatoes. There’s something to be said about the perfect combination of crispy fried potatoes and well-seasoned, tender meatballs. It’s one of those dishes that hits the right spot each time, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Traveling Through Taste
While my culinary journey is steeped in Southern tradition, I do enjoy the occasional detour into different cuisines. It was on one such gastronomic adventure that I chanced upon this incredible German recipe. Inspired, in part, by the famed German chef Dirk Hoffmann, Meatballs with Fried Potatoes is an embodiment of German culinary prowess at its finest.
A Perfect Blend of Flavors
The sophistication of this dish lies in its beautiful harmony of flavors. While the ingredients are straightforward, their unity in the pan transforms into a culinary masterpiece. The parsley, minced garlic and freshly chopped onion do an exquisite dance with the ground beef, leaving you with meatballs that are seasoned to the nines. A modest sprinkle of paprika, one of Germany’s favorite spices, adds an extra layer of warm, smoky flavor to these meatballs. Then comes the potatoes, fried in such a way that they are perfectly golden on the outside but gloriously fluffy on the inside – a textural dream when paired with the meatballs.
Trying It The Southern Way
Even though Meatballs with Fried Potatoes is a German dish, I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t give it a little southern twist. But let’s keep that a secret for another recipe session, shall we?
If traditional meat and potatoes are your thing, you should also venture to try other recipes that take this classic pairing to new gastronomic heights, such as the French “Hachis Parmentier” or the American “Shepherd’s Pie”. All these dishes, though different in their own right, share the wisest culinary lesson one can learn – that sometimes, simple ingredients, when prepped and cooked with care and paired correctly, create the most memorable meals.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For the Fried Potatoes:
- 6 large potatoes
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 cup of bread crumbs, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Two
Once the mixture is well combined, shape small portions of it into balls. Each ball should be about an inch in diameter, or about the size of a golf ball.
Step Three
Next, roll each meatball in the 1 cup of all-purpose flour. This will give the meatballs a nice crispy exterior once they’re cooked.
Step Four
Heat the 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan and fry them until they are browned and cooked through. This will typically take about 10-15 minutes, but may vary depending on the size of your meatballs.
Step Five
While the meatballs are cooking, start preparing the fried potatoes. Peel and slice the 6 large potatoes into thin rounds.
Step Six
In a separate frying pan, heat the 1/2 cup of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the potato rounds to the pan, and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Step Seven
Once both the meatballs and potatoes are fully cooked, serve them together for a hearty and delicious meal. Enjoy your Meatballs with Fried Potatoes!
