Konigsberg meatballs

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1x---------meatballs----------
1eachHard roll
¾cupWater
1poundsGround beef; lean
1eachBacon; strip, diced
4eachesAnchovy fillets; diced
1eachOnion; small, chopped
1eachEgg; large
½teaspoonSalt
¼teaspoonPepper; white ---------broth------------
6cupsWater
½teaspoonSalt
1eachBay leaf
1eachOnion; small, peeled, halved
6eachesPeppercorns ---------gravy------------
tablespoonButter or margarine
tablespoonUnbleached flour
1tablespoonCapers
1eachLemon juice; of 1/2med.lemon
½teaspoonMustard; prepared
1eachEgg yolk; large
¼teaspoonSalt
¼teaspoonPepper; white

Directions

Meatballs: Soak the roll in the water for about 10 minutes. Squeeze it dry; place in mixing bowl with the ground beef. Add the bacon, anchovy fillets, onion, egg, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Prepare broth by boiling the water, seasoned with salt, bay leaf, onion, and peppercorns. Shape the meat mixture into balls about 2 inches in diameter. Add to the boiling broth and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.

Remove meatballs with a slotted spoon, set aside, and keep warm.

Gravy: To prepare gravy, heat butter in a frypan and stir in flour.

Cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly blend in 2 cups of reserved broth. Add the drained capers, lemon juice, and mustard.

Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove a small amount of the sauce to blend with the egg yolk. Stir egg yolk back into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. To Serve: Place reserved meatballs into the gravy and reheat if necessary. Serve on a preheated platter.