Swedish Meatball Recipe

Swedish meatballs, or “köttbullar” as they’re known in Sweden, are a beloved dish that has transcended its Scandinavian roots to become a global favorite. These savory, flavorful meatballs are often served with a rich, creamy gravy, lingonberry jam, and mashed or boiled potatoes, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. In this post, we’ll dive into a classic Swedish meatball recipe that you can easily recreate at home.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp butter, for frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve:

• Lingonberry jam
• Mashed or boiled potatoes
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

1. Combine Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
• Add the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined. It’s easiest to use your hands for this step.

1. Shape the Meatballs:

• With damp hands, shape the mixture into small, round meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or baking sheet.

1. Cook the Meatballs:

• In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs, turning frequently, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Make the Gravy:

1. Prepare the Roux:

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes, until the mixture turns a light golden brown.

1. Add Liquid:

• Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.

1. Finish the Gravy:

• Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce. Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine and Serve:

1. Reheat the Meatballs:

• Return the meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the gravy and heat them through.

1. Plate the Dish:

• Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, alongside mashed or boiled potatoes. Don’t forget a generous dollop of lingonberry jam on the side. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Lingonberry Substitute: If you can’t find lingonberry jam, cranberry sauce makes a good substitute.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and gravy ahead of time. Simply reheat them together in a skillet before serving.
• Texture Variation: For a smoother texture, you can finely grate the onion instead of chopping it.

Conclusion

Swedish meatballs are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make for a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re enjoying them as a special weekend dinner or a cozy weeknight treat, this classic recipe is sure to please. Give it a try, and bring a taste of Sweden to your table!

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Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Swedish classic. Happy cooking!