Swedish Meatball Recipes

Swedish Meatballs are a beloved dish known for their savory flavors and creamy gravy. Here are two classic recipes: traditional Swedish Meatballs served with lingonberry sauce, and a vegetarian version made with plant-based ingredients.

1. Traditional Swedish Meatballs

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter, for frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Lingonberry sauce or cranberry sauce
• Mashed potatoes or egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
   • In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
   • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
   • Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Make the Gravy:
   • In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
   • Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
   • Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve:
   • Serve Swedish Meatballs hot with lingonberry sauce or cranberry sauce on the side.
   • Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, spooning the creamy gravy over the meatballs.

2. Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs (Plant-Based)

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 cup cooked lentils, drained and mashed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup plant-based cream (e.g., coconut cream or oat cream)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Lingonberry sauce or cranberry sauce
• Mashed potatoes or cooked quinoa

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk (or plant-based milk). Let it sit for 5 minutes.
   • In a large bowl, mix together mashed lentils, cooked quinoa, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
   • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and heated through. Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Make the Gravy:
   • In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or vegan butter) over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
   • Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
   • Stir in plant-based cream (e.g., coconut cream or oat cream) and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve:
   • Serve Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs hot with lingonberry sauce or cranberry sauce on the side.
   • Serve over mashed potatoes or cooked quinoa, spooning the creamy gravy over the meatballs.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or tamari to the vegetarian meatball mixture.
• Adjust seasoning and spices according to your taste preferences.
• Both versions of Swedish Meatballs can be made ahead and reheated before serving.

Conclusion:

Enjoy these Swedish Meatball recipes, whether you prefer the classic version with meat or a plant-based alternative. Both dishes offer comforting flavors and creamy gravies that pair perfectly with lingonberry sauce and your choice of sides.