Frikadelle - meat balls in tomato, wine and onion sauce

Frikkadelle are South African meat balls. They can be as simple or grand as the occasion demands, and this recipe is definitely on the lavish side (but easy to make): the combination of perfectly flavoured frikadelle, served in a heart-warming tomato, onion and wine sauce, will tame the coldest and wettest of winter nights. 12 medium-sized frikadelle.

Ingredients: 500 gram minced meat ½ large onion, grated 3 tablespoons dry oats 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tomato puree 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcester sauce 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chutney 1 egg 1 clove of garlic (or more, according to taste) Dash of ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt Dash of blackpepper Fresh parsley, chopped 1 ml dried coriander or allspice

For the sauce: 1 tin (410 gram) of chopped tomatoes (or less if you prefer) ½ large onion, chopped ½ red capsicum (bell pepper), cut into strips 50 ml red wine (optional) 1 garlic clove (or more, according to taste) 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sugar If available, fresh herbs such oregano or margoram, chopped

Method: Combine the ingredients for the frikkadelle and form into 12 balls. Be gentle and do not over-handle or squash the meat. Put to one side and start with the sauce: Fry chopped onion until it starts to become soft. Add capsicum strips. Ad a little oil and brown the meat balls on both sides. Turn down the heat slightly and add the rest of the sauce ingredients. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, until cooked. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve frikadelle warm as a main course, with rice or mash.

#meatballs #tomato #wine #onion #sauce