Unbelievably Saftige Frikadellen mit Dill-Gurkensalat in 40

Okay, let’s talk about comfort food! And when I think of comfort, I instantly think of German food. It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and it just makes you feel good, you know? That’s exactly what these Saftige Frikadellen mit Dill-Gurkensalat are all about – juicy German meatballs served with a super-refreshing dill cucumber salad. Seriously, the combination is just… chef’s kiss!

I first had these little guys at a tiny German restaurant during a trip to Berlin. I wasn’t even that hungry but, wow, I devoured them! I knew I had to recreate them at home. And guess what? It’s way easier than you think! This recipe is seriously simple, ready in about 40 minutes, and even better? It’s pretty low carb too, if you’re watching that sort of thing. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!

Why You’ll Love This Saftige Frikadellen mit Dill-Gurkensalat

Quick and Easy

Seriously, who has time to spend hours in the kitchen? This recipe is ready in just 40 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Incredibly Flavorful

The meatballs are savory and juicy, and that dill cucumber salad? It’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of fresh!

Refreshing Dill-Gurkensalat

That cool, crisp cucumber salad is everything! It’s the perfect contrast to the warm, savory meatballs. My favorite part is that creamy yogurt dressing!

Low Carb Friendly

Watching your carbs? No problem! This dish fits right in. You can enjoy a totally delicious and satisfying meal without the guilt.

Authentic German Taste

You’ll feel like you’re in a cozy German Gasthaus! This recipe captures those classic German flavors perfectly. So yummy!

Ingredients for Saftige Frikadellen mit Dill-Gurkensalat

For the Saftige Frikadellen:

500g ground meat (beef and pork mix)

I like a 50/50 mix, but honestly, whatever you have on hand works! Just make sure it’s not too lean, or the Frikadellen will be dry. Yuck!

1 large egg

This is your binder! It helps everything stick together. Don’t skip it!

1 medium onion, finely chopped

Really fine, okay? You don’t want big chunks of onion in your meatballs. Trust me on this one!

2 tbsp breadcrumbs

These help absorb excess moisture. I usually just use plain, unseasoned ones. Panko works too!

1 tbsp mustard

Adds a little zing! I usually go for Dijon, but yellow mustard is totally fine too.

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Fresh is best, but dried will do in a pinch. Just use about 1 teaspoon if you’re using dried.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Don’t be shy! Seasoning is key. I like to add a little extra pepper. 🙂

2 tbsp cooking oil for frying

Vegetable oil, canola oil, whatever you prefer for frying. Just make sure it has a high smoke point!

For the erfrischende Dill-Gurkensalat

1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

Thinly sliced is important! I use a mandoline, but a sharp knife works too. Just be careful!

200g plain yogurt

Full-fat yogurt is my go-to! It makes the salad extra creamy and delicious. But low-fat works too if you’re watching calories.

2 tbsp chopped fresh dill

Oh, the dill! It’s what makes this salad so special. Don’t skimp on it! Seriously, fresh dill is the best.

1 tbsp white vinegar

Adds a little tang! You could also use apple cider vinegar if you’re feeling adventurous.

1 tsp sugar

Just a touch to balance the acidity. You can skip it if you want, but I think it makes a difference!

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Again, don’t be shy! Season that salad! You’ll want to give it a little extra love!

How to Make Saftige Frikadellen mit Dill-Gurkensalat: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Saftige Frikadellen Mixture

Combine ground meat, egg, onion, breadcrumbs, mustard, and parsley in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Okay, get your hands in there! I know, it’s a little messy, but it’s the best way to mix everything properly. Don’t be afraid to really squish it all together!

Mix well with your hands until everything is evenly distributed.

You want to make sure that onion and parsley are spread throughout the meat. No one wants a meatball that’s all onion in one bite!

Form the mixture into small, flattened meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter.

I like to make them slightly flattened because they cook more evenly that way. Plus, they’re easier to flip! Aim for about 2 inches, but honestly, who’s measuring? Just eyeball it!

Frying the Saftige Frikadellen

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Make sure the pan is hot before you add the meatballs! You want that sizzle! If the pan isn’t hot enough, they’ll just steam and won’t get that nice golden-brown crust. No bueno!

Carefully place the meatballs in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.

Don’t cram too many meatballs in the pan at once! It’ll lower the temperature of the oil, and they won’t brown properly. Work in batches if you need to!

Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Keep an eye on them! You want them to be nicely browned on both sides and cooked all the way through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut one open to check!

Remove the meatballs from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Nobody likes greasy meatballs! Let them drain on paper towels while you finish the rest. This step is important!

Making the Dill-Gurkensalat

Peel and thinly slice the cucumber.

I like to peel mine, but you don’t have to. Just make sure it’s thinly sliced! A mandoline makes this super easy, but a sharp knife works just fine. Be careful though!

In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, dill, vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper.

Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. More dill? More vinegar? It’s up to you!

Add the sliced cucumber to the yogurt mixture and stir to combine.

Gently fold in the cucumber so it’s evenly coated in the yogurt dressing. Don’t overmix, or the cucumber will get watery!

Serving Your Saftige Frikadellen mit Dill-Gurkensalat

Serve the warm Saftige Frikadellen immediately with the refreshing dill cucumber salad.

Seriously, the combination of the warm meatballs and the cool, creamy salad is just amazing. You’ve gotta try it to believe it! Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Saftige Frikadellen mit Dill-Gurkensalat

Don’t Overmix the Meat

Seriously, don’t! Overmixing makes the meatballs tough, like hockey pucks. Mix just until everything’s combined, okay?

Ensure the Pan is Hot

Hot pan = beautiful browning! A cold pan means sad, pale meatballs. Get that oil shimmering before you add them!

Adjust Seasoning to Taste

Taste as you go! More salt? More pepper? A little extra dill in the salad? It’s your kitchen, you’re the boss! Make it perfect for you!

Chill the Salad

Pop that dill-gurkensalat in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. It tastes even better when it’s nice and cold! Trust me!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for your Saftige Frikadellen mit Dill-Gurkensalat

Ground Meat Options

So, the recipe calls for a beef and pork mix, but hey, use what you like! All beef works great, or all pork if you’re feeling it. Ground turkey or chicken? Go for it! Just adjust the cooking time a bit, okay?

Yogurt Substitutions

Don’t have plain yogurt? No sweat! Greek yogurt is a fantastic sub – it’ll make the salad even creamier. Sour cream works too in a pinch, but it’s tangier, so maybe add a tiny bit more sugar.

Herb Variations

Okay, dill is the star of the show in the cucumber salad, but if you’re fresh out, chives or parsley can work! It won’t be quite the same, but still delicious. Just use about the same amount, and you’re good to go!

Serving Suggestions for Saftige Frikadellen mit Dill-Gurkensalat

Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are classic! Roasted potatoes are yummy too. Or, for extra German flair, try a German potato salad! So good!

Bread

You need some crusty bread or rolls to soak up all that deliciousness! Trust me, you won’t want to waste a single drop!

Side Salad

Keep it simple! A green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect refreshing sidekick. It’s light and balances the richness of the meatballs!

How to Store and Reheat Saftige Frikadellen mit Dill-Gurkensalat

Storing Leftover Frikadellen

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store those Saftige Frikadellen in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Storing Leftover Dill-Gurkensalat

That dill-gurkensalat is best eaten fresh, but you can store it too! Just pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll last about 2 days, but it might get a little watery, just FYI.

Reheating Instructions

Wanna reheat those meatballs? The microwave works fine, but honestly, the best way is in a skillet with a little oil. Just heat ‚em up until they’re warmed through. Don’t overcook ‚em, or they’ll dry out! Nobody wants that!

Nutritional Information for Saftige Frikadellen mit Dill-Gurkensalat

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate only.

Okay, so here’s the thing: the nutrition info is just a rough guess! It really depends on the exact ingredients you use, like what brand of yogurt or how lean your ground meat is. So, yeah, take it with a grain of salt, okay?

Frequently Asked Questions About Saftige Frikadellen mit Dill-Gurkensalat

Can I freeze Saftige Frikadellen?

Totally! Just let them cool completely, then pop them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed. Easy, right?

Can I make the Dill-Gurkensalat ahead of time?

Hmm, I wouldn’t recommend making it too far in advance, as the cucumber can get a little watery. You can chop the dill and prep the dressing a few hours ahead of time, but wait to slice the cucumber and combine everything until just before serving. That way, it stays nice and crisp!

What is the best way to keep Saftige Frikadellen warm?

If you’re not serving them right away, you can keep them warm in a low oven (about 200°F or 95°C). Just place them on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. This will keep them from drying out. Or, if you’re just keeping them warm for a few minutes, a covered pan works too!

Can I grill Saftige Frikadellen instead of frying?

You bet! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that’s seriously delicious. Just make sure to oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking. Cook them over medium heat, turning occasionally, until they’re cooked through. Just keep an eye on them, okay? They can burn easily!

Rate this Saftige Frikadellen mit Dill-Gurkensalat Recipe

Loved it? Hated it? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to give it a star rating! Share it with your friends, too!

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