HOW TO PREPARE SWEDISH MEATBALLS.

Swedish meatballs, or köttbullar, are a classic dish known for their savory flavor and creamy gravy. They are typically served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes or noodles. Here’s a traditional recipe to prepare Swedish meatballs at home:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Butter or oil, for frying

For the Gravy:

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

For Serving:

Lingonberry sauce or lingonberry preserves
Mashed potatoes or cooked noodles
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Meatballs:

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs have absorbed the milk.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped/grated onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs.

Cook the Meatballs:

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a tablespoon of butter or oil over medium-high heat.
Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned and the meatballs are cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per batch. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Make the Gravy:

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the roux is lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened.
Stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the gravy is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish and Serve:

Add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet with the gravy. Gently toss to coat the meatballs in the gravy.
Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired, alongside lingonberry sauce and either mashed potatoes or cooked noodles.

Tips:

Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs work best, but you can also use store-bought breadcrumbs. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of milk.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them ahead of time. Refrigerate until ready to cook. The gravy can also be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
Variations: Some recipes include a touch of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce in the meatball mixture for added umami flavor.

Swedish meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy the rich flavors and traditional Swedish accompaniments with this homemade recipe!