How to Make Authentic Königsberger Klopse (German Meatballs in Caper Sauce)

Simple Summary

Königsberger Klopse is a classic German comfort food featuring tender meatballs simmered in a creamy caper sauce, offering a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground veal (or a mix of veal and pork)
• 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine
• 3 tbsp capers, drained
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, minced onion, eggs, parsley, salt, and white pepper. Mix well and form into 12-15 meatballs.

2. In a large skillet, bring 4 cups of salted water to a simmer. Gently add the meatballs and cook for about 10-12 minutes until cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.

4. Gradually whisk in beef broth and white wine, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

5. Add capers, lemon juice, and heavy cream to the sauce. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently coating them with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

7. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Chef's Notes

• For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of veal and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• The meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Leftover Königsberger Klopse can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin the sauce.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (approximately): 450 calories, 28g protein, 25g fat, 20g carbohydrates. This dish is a good source of protein and provides essential vitamins and minerals from the meat and dairy components.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Königsberger Klopse over buttered egg noodles or with boiled potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad complements the rich flavors perfectly. For a traditional German meal, pair with a chilled Riesling or a light pilsner beer.