Mom's Norwegian Meatballs with Gravy (Kjøttkaker med brunsaus)

Name: Mom's Norwegian Meatballs with Gravy (Kjøttkaker med brunsaus)
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1/3 pound lean ground beef; 1/3 pound ground pork; 1/3 pound ground veal (if veal is unavailable use 1/2 lb each of beef and pork); 1 egg; 2/3 cup Panko bread crumbs; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon allspice; 6 tablespoon butter; 1/4 cup flour; 4 cup chicken broth; 1/2 onion, skin removed but left in tact; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoon red wine; dash gravy browning agent (eg. Kitchen Bouquet); 3-4 thin slices of gjetost, Norwegian brown goat cheese (optional, since this is an acquired taste); salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Meatballs are one of the most traditional of the foods in Norway (they even participate in Christmas in many families). And, lucky for me growing up, my mother is the queen of the meatballs and gravy. It was a frequent meal in our house, but I loved it so much, I also requested it for every birthday. This is her recipe. Of course, like any family recipe, there aren't really measurements and it gets made a little differently every time. But, this is my best approximation. The other trick is to taste the gravy as you make it and add a little extra sour cream, or wine, or broth, as well as salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Updated at: Fri, 26 Dec 2025 02:12:02 GMT