Swedish Hamburgers (Biff à la Lindström)

A 100 year old classic Swedish dish.  Beef A La Lindström is considered to be an ultra classic Swedish dish.  The classic Swedish beef patty dish, inspired by Mr Lindström’s original recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 lb freshly minced beef
• 1 large baked or boiled potato, minced
• 1/2 cup of a small white chopped onion, minced
• 1/2 a cup of pickles
• 1/2 a cup of minced pickled red beets, juice reserved
• 1/2 a cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of capers, coarsely chopped
• 2 egg yolks
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• butter or oil for frying) 
• Chives, finely chopped garnish (optional) 

Preparation:

1) Put the minced beef, egg yolks, onion, beetroot, capers, water/juice, seasoning and chives (optional) in a large mixing bowl. 

2) Mix all ingredients.  Blend the ingredients together until reasonably evenly mixed.  Don’t over mix as the patties will become too dense and tough.

3) With your hands, form four nicely large shaped, flat patties

Tip: If you have time, leave the patties to rest at room temperature for about an hour.
5) Heat butter or olive oil in heavy frying pan over medium-high heat.

6) When hot add the patties to the pan. Fry the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely colored but still slightly pink in the center. They should be medium rare inside.

Serving suggestions

There are several ways to serve the hamburgers.  But really it depends on what are your favorite side dishes.  Below are several suggestions. 

One option is to serve the hamburgers with fried a fried egg on top, pan fried potatoes, garnish with chives and toast on the side.   A nice cold beer too!

 

 A second option is to serve the hamburger with small roast potatoes and dark gravy with some caramelized red onions.  Great seasonal vegetables are tender white or green asparagus, baked tomatoes or kale.