Swedish meatballs, also known as Köttbullar, are a savory, comforting dish that has become a beloved favorite worldwide. These little meatballs are typically served with a creamy gravy and lingonberry jam, making for a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or as an appetizer, Swedish meatballs are sure to impress!
Here’s a traditional recipe for making Swedish Meatballs from scratch:
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (or you can use all beef if preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth, if preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional for Serving:
- Lingonberry jam (for a traditional sweet and tart accompaniment)
- Mashed potatoes or egg noodles (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk and let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the Meatballs:
- Use your hands to form the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-25 meatballs, depending on the size.
- Place the meatballs on a plate or tray as you form them.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown all sides evenly.
- When the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat.
- Sprinkle in the flour, and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux (a smooth paste).
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce. Let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens to a nice consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the gravy gets too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine Meatballs with Gravy:
- Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the gravy. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce, and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the meatballs soak up the flavor of the gravy.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Swedish meatballs with a dollop of lingonberry jam on the side for a traditional touch.
- They can be served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or alongside a simple green vegetable, like sautéed green beans or peas.
Tips and Variations:
- For Extra Flavor: You can add a bit of finely grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture for extra richness.
- Substitute for Pork: If you don’t eat pork, you can substitute it with more ground beef or use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- For a Lighter Gravy: If you want to reduce the calories, you can use half-and-half or even milk instead of heavy cream in the gravy.
- Make-Ahead: Swedish meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. They also freeze well—just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with the gravy.
Why You’ll Love Swedish Meatballs:
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of tender meatballs with a rich, creamy gravy is pure comfort food.
- Flavorful: The mix of spices like nutmeg and allspice gives the meatballs a warm, aromatic flavor that’s unique and delicious.
- Versatile: These meatballs can be served in many ways, from over mashed potatoes to as an appetizer for a party.
Enjoy your homemade Swedish Meatballs with all the comforting, savory goodness they have to offer!