This recipe is a very traditional Danish dish.
I have had this dish so many times during my childhood and while growing up on the farm.
I think it is a real farmers dish because it is hearty, rustic and it fills you up good 🙂
To make the beef patties you need extra lean (or lean) ground beef, salt, pepper and butter.
You can make about 6 patties from a 500 g (1 lb) packet.
Split the beef into 6 pieces and press them together to round balls.
Then you take your knife and gently “cut” into the top of the ball to flatten it. This is done all across the top in one direction, then turn the ball and do the same thing to create small crosses, then you turn it diagonally and cut again. This is simply done to help flatten the ball of meet a little bit.
Then you flip the ball over and repeat on the opposite side.
Make sure to only press the knife down gently, the ball should still be fairly thick, about 3-4 cm (1 1/2 inch) tall.
The patty should still be round when you look at it from above.
Repeat on all the balls of beef and lay on a plate or cutting board when finished. Sprinkle with salt and pepper on one side.
In a large pan or skillet, heat up a good lump of butter. Let it bubble and calm down before you place the patties on salt and pepper side down. Then sprinkle on the top with salt and pepper so both sides get some flavour.
Fry on medium to high heat for 2-3 minutes each side and flip them a couple of times.
To determine if the patties are cooked press on the top. If it is very soft and gives in to the pressure a lot, it needs to cook a bit longer. If it is rather firm the patty is done.
While the patties are frying in the pan, take out another pan and melt some butter on here as well.
Take a medium size onion and peel off the dry skin but keep the onion whole. Now slice onion rings until you have used about half the onion.
When the butter has finished bubbling you can put in the onions on medium heat and fry them till they get soft and has become browned and almost a little caramelized.
Serve the beef patties with the soft onions on top.
The onions will give out a sweet flavour to match with the stronger flavour of the beef.
You can serve this dish with boiled potatoes and apple carrot salad.
-Enjoy!
Ayoe