Latvian Onion Klopsi (Meatballs with Onion Sauce) – Hearty Comfort on a Plate!

Latvian Onion Klopsi meatballs served with potatoes and pickles on a rustic wooden table.

 

A traditional Latvian dish of juicy minced meat patties served in a rich onion, broth, and sour cream sauce. Perfect with potatoes and pickles!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 29 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Latvian
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g minced meat (beef or pork)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil (for frying)

For the Onion Sauce:

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 300 ml hot beef or vegetable broth
  • 150 ml sour cream
  • 1 tsp flour (optional, for thickening)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the patties:In a bowl, mix minced meat, egg, grated onion, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Shape into round patties.
  • Fry the patties:Heat oil in a pan and brown the patties on both sides. Set aside.
  • Make the onion sauce:In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the sliced onions until golden and soft.
  • Add broth:Pour in the hot broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in sour cream. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk in a teaspoon of flour.
  • Simmer the patties:Return the patties to the pan and simmer in the sauce for 15–20 minutes, until fully cooked and infused with flavor.
  • Serve:Plate with boiled potatoes, spoon over the sauce, and add a pickle on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
    Homemade meatballs served with creamy gravy and herbs — classic comfort food.

Notes

🧅 Latvian Onion Klopsi (Meatballs with Onion Sauce) – Hearty Comfort on a Plate!

If you’re craving a cozy, soul-warming dish that reflects the rustic heart of Latvian cuisine, Onion Klopsi are a must-try! 🇱🇻✨
These tender meat patties are simmered in a savory sauce made with fried onions, broth, and sour cream. Often served with buttery potatoes and pickled cucumbers, this dish brings the taste of a Latvian countryside kitchen right to your table.

🇱🇻 A Taste of Latvia in Every Bite

Latvia, nestled between Estonia and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea, is known for its forests, lakes, and hearty traditional foods. Latvian cuisine beautifully combines the region’s natural bounty with simple, satisfying flavors.
Onion Klopsi (in Latvian, Sīpolu klopši) reflect this perfectly: rustic minced meat, creamy onion gravy, and a love for potatoes — a trio found in many Latvian homes. This dish is especially beloved during the colder seasons when hearty comfort food warms both body and spirit.

🥘 What Are Onion Klopsi?

Klopsi are chopped or ground meat patties, gently fried or simmered, then served in sauce. In this version, onions play a starring role — fried until golden, then combined with hot broth and creamy sour cream to create a velvety sauce that’s rich and aromatic.
💡 Fun Fact: In many Latvian families, Onion Klopsi are passed down from grandmothers to grandchildren, a symbol of home and heritage.
Latvian Onion Klopsi (Meatballs with Onion Sauce) – Hearty Comfort on a Plate!

🍽️ How to Serve Onion Klopsi

These delicious meatballs are traditionally served with:
  • 🥔 Boiled or mashed potatoes
  • 🥒 Pickled cucumbers or sauerkraut
  • 🍞 A slice of rye bread on the side
They're perfect for Sunday dinners or when you want to impress guests with something hearty and homemade.
A glass of Riga black balsam cocktail will best complement this dish.

💡 Why You'll Love Onion Klopsi

✔ Comfort food at its finest
✔ Perfect balance of meatiness and creamy tanginess
✔ A taste of Baltic home cooking
✔ Easy to prepare with everyday ingredients
Latvian recipes
Keyword Baltic comfort food, Klopsi recipe, Latvian meatballs, Onion sauce, traditional Latvian food
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