Here’s a traditional, homestyle South African Frikkadel recipe — juicy, flavourful meatballs perfect with rice, mashed potatoes, or on a braai plate.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 500 g beef mince (or half beef, half pork)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 slice white bread (crust removed)
- 2–3 tbsp milk (to soak bread)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp chutney (Mrs Ball’s if available)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- ½ tsp ground coriander (optional but traditional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Oil for frying
👩🍳 Method
1️⃣ Soak the Bread
- Soak bread in milk for a few minutes.
- Squeeze out excess milk and mash with a fork.
2️⃣ Mix
In a large bowl combine:
- Mince
- Onion
- Soaked bread
- Egg
- Chutney
- Herbs & spices
- Worcestershire sauce
- Parsley
Mix gently with your hands until just combined (don’t overwork).
3️⃣ Shape
Roll into golf-ball sized meatballs or slightly flattened patties.
4️⃣ Cook
Pan Fry Method:
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Brown frikkadels on all sides (about 8–10 minutes).
- Reduce heat and cook through (another 8–10 minutes).
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Place on greased baking tray.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
🍅 Optional Traditional Onion Gravy
- 1 sliced onion
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 tbsp chutney
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Brown onions, stir in flour, add stock and sauces, simmer until thickened. Add frikkadels and simmer 10 minutes.
🍽 Serve With
- Yellow rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Pap and chakalaka
- Fresh tomato & onion salad
