Norwegian karbonader: lean beef patties spiced lightly with nutmeg, pan-fried until browned and piled with sweet caramelised onions.
Karbonader are Norway's answer to the everyday beef patty: lean, well seasoned and lifted by a faint warmth of nutmeg. The slow-cooked onions on top turn sweet and golden, which plays nicely against the savoury meat. Serve them with gravy and potatoes for supper, or tuck one between slices of bread for a proper Norwegian lunch.
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Prep 15 min
Cook 20 min
Total 35 min
Easy
Scale:
- 2 Onion
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1/2 tbs Cornstarch
- 50 ml Water
- 2 tblsp Butter
Nutrition (per serving)
370
kcal
20g
Protein
7g
Carbs
29g
Fat
Estimated per serving. How we calculate this.
Preparation
- Grate half an onion and set it aside. Slice the remaining onions and cook them in butter over a low to medium heat until caramelised.
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef with the grated onion, salt, pepper, nutmeg, cornstarch and water.
- Shape the mixture into a sausage, cut it into 6 patties, then score a light grid into each one with a knife.
- Fry the karbonader in butter over a high heat until browned on both sides, then lower the heat and cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve with the caramelised onions, potatoes, stewed peas and brown sauce, or on a slice of bread for lunch.
Tips from the ZestyPlate Kitchen
- Grate a little onion straight into the mince; it adds moisture and a gentle sweetness throughout.
- Score a light grid across the top of each patty. This is the traditional look and helps them cook evenly.
- Take your time with the sliced onions, cooking them low and slow until they are properly caramelised and sweet.
- Get a good sear on a high heat first, then drop the temperature and finish gently so the patties stay juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are thinner and leaner, seasoned simply with nutmeg, and the tradition is to serve them with caramelised onions and gravy rather than in a bun.
Lean mince can dry out, so the cornstarch and water help bind the mixture and keep the patties tender as they fry.
The classic spread is caramelised onions, boiled potatoes, stewed peas and brown gravy. For something simpler, pop one on a slice of bread at lunchtime.
Yes. Shape the patties ahead and keep them chilled, then fry when you want them. Cooked ones also reheat nicely in a little gravy.
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