Entree: Germany – Wurttemberg – Fleischküchle (Pan‑fried seasoned meat patties typical of Württemberg (Swabia)
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep
20 min
Cook
10 min
Additional
20 min
Total
50 min
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) ground pork and beef mixture, preferably 50/50
- 2 slices (about 2 oz / 60 g) day‑old white bread, crusts removed and torn
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped, about 3 oz (85 g)
- 1 large egg (about 50 g)
- 1 tsp (5 g) Dijon or German mustard
- 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all‑purpose flour for dredging
- 1 cup (120 g) dry breadcrumbs for coating
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) butter (or clarified butter) for frying
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley, for serving (optional)
- Boiled potatoes or potato salad, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Tear the bread into a bowl and pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk over it. Let soak until soft, about 5 minutes, then squeeze out excess milk and mash the bread into a paste.
2. In a mixing bowl combine the ground meat, soaked bread, finely chopped onion, egg, mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until evenly combined; avoid overworking to keep patties tender.
3. Shape the mixture into 6 evenly sized patties (about 3–4 oz / 85–115 g each), flattening slightly to about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Place on a tray and chill in the refrigerator 15–20 minutes to firm.
4. Put the flour in one shallow dish and the breadcrumbs in another. Lightly dredge each chilled patty in flour, shaking off excess, then press into breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 3 tbsp (45 ml) butter. When the butter foams but is not burned, add the patties without crowding. Fry 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature about 160°F / 71°C).
6. Transfer cooked Fleischküchle to a warm plate and let rest 2 minutes. Serve hot with boiled potatoes or potato salad, lemon wedges, and chopped parsley, and mustard or lingonberry jam if desired.
