Swedish Meatballs, or Svenska Kottbullar, are a classic dish from Sweden. They are typically served with lingonberry sauce and creamy gravy, accompanied by mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. Here’s a traditional recipe for Swedish Meatballs:
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Make the Meatballs:
- Soak Breadcrumbs:
- In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
- Mix Ingredients:
- Add the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Form Meatballs:
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small, round meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Fry Meatballs:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the meatballs until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
Make the Gravy:
- Prepare the Roux:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, until it turns light brown.
- Add Broth and Cream:
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure there are no lumps.
- Add the heavy cream and continue to whisk until the gravy is smooth and thickened.
- Season and Combine:
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer them in the gravy for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring they are well coated and heated through.
Serve:
- Plate and Garnish:
- Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, drizzled with the creamy gravy.
- Traditionally, they are accompanied by mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, and a side of lingonberry sauce for a touch of sweetness.