Finnish meatballs

Meatballs are a classic Finnish favorite, especially in November, to both adults and children. This recipe is effortless to do, but if you want to make meatballs even easier, you can buy ready-made spice mix, like the maggi's lihapulla mix, then you only need to add the minced meat and water. The fattier the minced meat is, the tastier the meatballs will be. There is always a delicious vegetarian version for every recipe, which you can find below.

Ingredients:

400 g minced meat at least 20% fat

1 onion

1.5 dl water

1 egg

1 teaspoon salt

1 dl breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Shred peeled the onion and browned the oil in a pan. Pour the water into a bowl, add the egg and breadcrumbs, mix well. Add the spices and let it swell for 15 minutes. Add the onion chop and minced meat and mix. Dip your hands in cold water or oil to prevent the dough from sticking and spin the meatballs. Set the oven at 220 degrees for about 10 - 12 minutes and bake the meatballs. The length of the baking time depends on the size of the meatballs.

Enjoy meatballs in Finnish style, with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam :)

Vegetarian version

Ingredients:

A can (400 g) of your favorite beans such as lentils, or white beans, drained (about 250 g).

1 onion chopped (or saute' onion for better taste)

⅓ cup sun-dried tomato (chopped or minced)

⅓ cup oat-flakes (pika-kaura-hiutale), or breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons tomato-puree

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1 teaspoon mixed dry pizza/italian/basil herbs (optional)

Salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Place all ingredients into a blender, blend all until mixed well. Add 2 or 3 spoons water to blend easier if it is a hard texture to blend, but not too much water, the composition should be quite sticky. Give the shape of balls by using hands, and transfer them to an oven dish with oven paper. Cook them for about half an hour or until the surface is crispy.

Enjoy them as described above with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam, or any of your favorite pasta and sauce.