SWEDISH MEATBALLS

 

Swedish Meatballs are a culinary treasure that hails from Sweden and has captured hearts and taste buds worldwide. These tender meatballs, often served with a creamy sauce, embody comfort food at its finest. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, part of a smorgasbord, or served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, Swedish Meatballs are a flavorful journey into Scandinavian cuisine.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork (or ground veal)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 small onion, finely minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Making the Swedish Meatballs:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork (or veal), minced onion, egg, salt, black pepper, ground allspice, and ground nutmeg.
  3. Pour the breadcrumb and milk mixture into the bowl with the meat and spices.
  4. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
  5. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You can use your hands or a cookie scoop for uniformity.
  6. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  7. Add the meatballs to the skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer them to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Making the Creamy Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the roux is lightly browned.
  3. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Combining the Meatballs and Sauce:

  1. Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
  2. Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
  3. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb some of the sauce’s flavors.

Serving:

  1. Serve your Swedish Meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Variations and Tips

  • Lingonberry Sauce: Swedish Meatballs are traditionally served with lingonberry sauce. You can serve them with a dollop of lingonberry jam or sauce on the side for a sweet and tart contrast.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Serve your meatballs and creamy sauce over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a classic Swedish meal.
  • Gravy Thickness: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more broth or cream, depending on your preference.
  • Alternative Meats: While a blend of beef and pork is common, you can use other ground meats like turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them before cooking. Simply thaw and cook when ready to serve.
  • Storage: Store any leftover Swedish Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

 

Swedish Meatballs are a beloved dish that brings the flavors of Scandinavia to your table. With their tender, spiced meatballs and creamy sauce, they offer a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you serve them traditionally with lingonberry sauce or put your own spin on them, Swedish Meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy this taste of Sweden and the rich, savory goodness of homemade meatballs!