Description
This Königsberger Meatballs in Classic Caper Sauce features tender, poached meatballs in a velvety, tangy sauce with capers and lemon. A traditional German comfort dish, perfect served over boiled potatoes or rice.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
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1/2 lb ground beef
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1/2 lb ground pork (or veal/beef mix)
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1 day‑old bread roll (soaked in milk)
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1 onion, finely chopped (and sautéed)
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2 eggs
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3-4 anchovy fillets or 1 tbsp anchovy paste (optional)
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Salt & white pepper
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1 tbsp chopped parsley
Poaching Broth:
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~1 L beef or veal stock
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1 onion
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1 bay leaf, a few peppercorns, a pinch of allspice en.wikipedia.org+15dirndlkitchen.com+15thepeasantsdaughter.net+15thepeasantsdaughter.netfood.com+5ourgabledhome.com+5reddit.com+5seriouseats.com+5quick-german-recipes.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5thepeasantsdaughter.net+7whatsforlunchhoney.net+7reddit.com+7mydinner.co.uk
Caper Sauce:
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3 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp flour
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~350 mL strained poaching broth
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125 mL heavy cream (or sour cream variant)
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2-3 tbsp capers (plus some brine)
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2 tsp lemon juice (plus zest) en.wikipedia.org+5kitchenstories.com+5mydinner.co.uk+5honest-food.net+11whatsforlunchhoney.net+11ourgabledhome.com+11mydinner.co.uk
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Pinch of sugar, salt & pepper
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Optional: 1/2 egg yolk or splash of white wine allrecipes.com+15
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Meatballs
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Soak bread in milk, squeeze out, combine with meats, sautéed onion, eggs, anchovies, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Shape into ~16 small balls food.comourgabledhome.com.
Step 2: Poach
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Simmer stock with onion, bay leaf, peppercorns, allspice.
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Gently add meatballs, cover, simmer 15–20 min until cooked through. Remove and strain broth ourgabledhome.com+10whatsforlunchhoney.net+10dirndlkitchen.com+10mydinner.co.uk+2food.com+2reddit.com+2.
Step 3: Make Sauce
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In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.
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Gradually whisk in poaching broth until smooth.
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Stir in cream (or sour cream), capers (with brine), lemon juice and zest. Add sugar to balance acidity. Do not boil.
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Optionally whisk in an egg yolk or white wine for richness food.commydinner.co.uk+3whatsforlunchhoney.net+3kitchenstories.com+3quick-german-recipes.com.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
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Nestle meatballs into sauce, warm through gently.
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Serve over boiled potatoes or rice, garnished with parsley. Tradition pairs it with beetroot salad seriouseats.com+3whatsforlunchhoney.net+3
Notes
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Anchovies provide depth but aren’t overpowering. Use sparingly or omit mydinner.co.uk+1quick-german-recipes.com+1.
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For a lighter sauce, omit cream and use sour cream.
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Maintain low simmer throughout for tender meatballs quick-german-recipes.comreddit.com+15whatsforlunchhoney.net+15honest-food.net+15.
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Adjust sugar and lemon to taste—balances tang and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Poaching + Stove-top sauce
- Cuisine: German (East Prussian classic)