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Königsberger Klopse served with caper sauce
Authentic German Königsberger Klopse in creamy caper sauce

German Meatballs in Caper Cream Sauce (Königsberger Klopse)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses
A masterpiece of Prussian cuisine proving boiled meatballs aren't boring. The soul is the sauce: a silky, creamy caper white sauce where tart (lemon, capers) and creamy (cream, roux) flavors dance. A true Sunday classic.
🕒 Prep Time 30 mins
🍳 Cook Time 30 mins
⌛ Total Time 1 hr
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 540 kcal
🌍 Cuisine German

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot for boiling
  • Smaller saucepan for sauce
  • Whisk

Allergen Information

⚠️ Wheat
⚠️ Milk
⚠️ Egg
⚠️ Fish (if using anchovies)

Instructions

1 ✓

Mix ground meat with soaked roll, egg, minced onion, (chopped anchovies), salt, and pepper. Form ping-pong sized balls.

Tip: The roll loosens meat texture so dumplings aren't rubbery.
2 ✓

Bring broth with bay leaves to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Add meatballs and cook 10-12 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.

Tip: Don't discard broth; it's the sauce base!
3 ✓

Make a light roux: melt butter, stir in flour, and cook 1 minute (don't brown).

Tip: Fat coats flour particles preventing lumps.
4 ✓

Ladle in meatball cooking broth (about 2-2.5 cups) gradually, whisking constantly until smooth.

Tip: Temperature balance and gradual addition are key.
5 ✓

Stir in cream and capers. Season with lemon juice, a pinch of sugar (for balance), salt, and pepper. Simmer briefly.

Tip: Taste! Sauce should be piquant, creamy-tart.
6 ✓

Return meatballs to sauce to warm through. Serve with boiled potatoes.

Tip: Potatoes are the perfect neutral vehicle for the rich sauce.

Recipe FAQ

The meatball fell apart.
Water was boiling too hard. Only poach meatballs in simmering water.
Sauce is lumpy.
Add hot broth gradually to the roux while whisking constantly.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Meat (Pork and Beef mix)
  • 1 pc Stale Kaiser Roll (soaked in water/milk, squeezed dry)
  • 1 pc Egg
  • 1 pc Onion (very finely minced)
  • 3 fillets Anchovies (optional, but the secret ingredient!)
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 3/4 cup Heavy Cream
  • 4 cups Beef or Chicken Broth
  • 3 tbsp Capers
  • 1/2 pc Lemon (juiced)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 pcs Bay Leaves