Traditional South African Beef Frikkadels
Classic oven-baked meatballs flavored with nutmeg and cloves, a staple of Cape Dutch cuisine.
Origin & History
Frikkadels have deep roots in the Cape Malay and Dutch heritage of South Africa, traditionally served at Sunday lunch.
Ingredients
- 500g Ground beef
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 1 slice White bread soaked in milk
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp Ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp White vinegar
Method
- 1
Preheat oven to 180C.
- 2
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- 3
Shape the mixture into medium-sized balls.
- 4
Place on a greased baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
- 5
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Top Tips
- Use fatty mince for the best juiciness|Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture|Soak the bread thoroughly before squeezing out excess milk|Chill the shaped balls for 20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape
Serve with
Traditionally paired with other South African classics:
Community Kitchen
Every South African family has their own version of this recipe — small tweaks passed down through generations. Do you make yours differently? Share your family variation with the community.
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