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GermanAuthentic Cuisine

Mettbrötchen

Serves 4 to 6 Appetizer meat, Appetizers

Mettbrötchen

Mettbrötchen, a beloved staple from northern Germany, is often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a satisfying snack. This dish captures the essence of straightforward German home cooking, where fresh pork Mett is generously spread over crusty Brötchen, a type of bread roll. The preparation is as unfussy as it is flavorful, making it a cherished choice among family cooks who appreciate simplicity and taste.

The flavor profile of Mettbrötchen is a delightful balance of rich, savory pork and the gentle warmth of caraway seeds. Finely chopped onion adds a sharp bite, while the buttered Brötchen provides a soft yet sturdy base. A sprinkle of fine sea salt and black pepper enhances these layers, creating a dish that is both comforting and robust. Perfect for those who savor a second helping without hesitation.

Ingredients

  • 400 gfresh pork Mett — from a trusted butcher
  • 4Brötchen — halved
  • 1onion — finely diced
  • 1 tspcaraway seeds
  • butterfor the rolls
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by finely dicing the onion. This will ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the Mett mixture. Set the diced onion aside in a small bowl.
  2. Slice the Brötchen in half horizontally. Spread a thin layer of butter on each half, which will add richness and help the Mett adhere to the bread.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the 400 g of fresh pork Mett with the diced onion. Add 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds to the mixture, which will provide a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the pork.
  4. Season the Mett mixture with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything together gently with a fork until the ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  5. Generously spread the Mett mixture onto the buttered halves of the Brötchen. The layer should be thick enough to showcase the texture of the Mett, but not so thick that it overwhelms the bread.
  6. Finish by sprinkling a little more salt and freshly ground black pepper over the top of each Mettbrötchen. This final seasoning will enhance the flavors and provide a pleasant contrast to the rich pork.
  7. Serve the Mettbrötchen immediately, allowing the fresh flavors to shine. Enjoy them with a side of pickles or a cold beer, as is traditional in northern Germany.
Cover of Authentic German Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic German Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic German Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the German volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.