Lihapullat (Finnish Meatballs) Recipe

Lihapullat, or Finnish Meatballs, are a popular and delicious dish made from a mixture of beef and pork. These juicy meatballs are typically served with creamy mashed potatoes, lingonberry sauce, and pickled cucumbers. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 250g ground beef
• 250g ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 50ml milk
• 50g breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 1kg potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 100ml milk
• 50g butter
• Salt, to taste

For the Lingonberry Sauce:

• 200g lingonberries (fresh or frozen)
• 100g sugar
• 50ml water

For Serving:

• Pickled cucumbers
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
   • Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and allspice.
   • Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
   • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   • In a large skillet, heat the butter or oil over medium heat.
   • Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
   • Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
   • In a large pot, cook the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
   • Add the milk and butter, then mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.
   • Season with salt to taste.
4. Make the Lingonberry Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the lingonberries, sugar, and water.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the berries have broken down and the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.
5. Serve:
   • Arrange the meatballs on a plate with a serving of creamy mashed potatoes.
   • Add a spoonful of lingonberry sauce and some pickled cucumbers on the side.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your Lihapullat, a classic Finnish dish that brings together savory meatballs, creamy potatoes, and the tangy sweetness of lingonberry sauce!