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Fleischpflanzerl

German-style meatballs with onion, capers, and anchovy paste. Tender, savory, and traditionally served with caper sauce.

40 minEasyServes 4380 cal/serving

GermanDinnerStovetopStandard

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Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp capers, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp anchovy paste
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1.5 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs in 1/4 cup whole milk for 2 minutes until softened.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 1 egg, 2 tbsp finely chopped capers, 1/2 tsp anchovy paste, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

  3. 3

    Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Form into 12-16 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

  4. 4

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  5. 5

    Brown the meatballs in batches, 2-3 minutes per side, then set aside.

  6. 6

    Pour 1.5 cups beef broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer.

  7. 7

    Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

  8. 8

    Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream at the end and heat through without boiling. Serve hot.

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Questions

What is Fleischpflanzerl?

German-style meatballs with onion, capers, and anchovy paste. Tender, savory, and traditionally served with caper sauce. This reference files it under German dinner: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 40 minutes start to finish.

What internal temperature should Fleischpflanzerl reach?

For Fleischpflanzerl, the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 7. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why does Fleischpflanzerl say not to overmix?

Step 3 reads: "Mix gently with your hands until just combined." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 3 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

What can I use instead of anchovies in Fleischpflanzerl?

The entry for Fleischpflanzerl calls for 1/2 tsp anchovy paste. In its place: A teaspoon of fish sauce or a little miso per two fillets supplies the same savory background. For a vegetarian version, leave them out and add a pinch more salt.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Fleischpflanzerl?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Fleischpflanzerl uses 1.5 lbs ground beef.

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