Authentic Swedish Meatballs: Homemade Ikea Recipe

Authentic Swedish meatballs, known as “Köttbullar,” are a worldwide favorite culinary treasure for their hearty flavor and tenderness. Originating from Sweden, these meatballs are a staple of Swedish cuisine. How about skipping the frozen meatballs today and using this recipe to prepare an honest version with damn quality ground meat and other ingredients?

Homemade authentic Swedish meatballs, made from a mixture of fresh ground meat such as beef, pork, and sometimes veal, are seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices such as allspice, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves, which lends them their characteristic taste. Additionally, the addition of finely chopped onions and breadcrumbs will pleasantly highlight their great taste, ensuring you’re entertained and not tired.

One of the hallmarks of Authentic Swedish Meatballs is the creamy and tasty sauce that accompanies them. The sauce, made from a roux-based sauce enriched with beef stock, heavy cream, and sometimes a hint of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, adds richness and depth to the dish and is a perfect complement to the tender meatballs.

Recipe

Ingredients in this recipe

For the meatballs

  • 1 lb (450 g) quality ground beef
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) good quality ground pork
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of butter or oil for frying

For the sauce

  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (350 ml) beef broth
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

  • Mix the breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.

Step 2

  • In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3

  • Shape the prepared mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter (you can adjust the size according to your preference).

Step 4

  • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or heat oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 5

  • Prepare the sauce by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.

Step 6

  • Gradually stir in the beef broth, making sure there are no lumps. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.

Step 7

  • Stir in heavy cream and soy sauce, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

  • Return the meatballs to the pan and cook in the sauce for a few minutes until heated through.

Step 9

  • Serve the finished Swedish meatballs hot with sauce, topped with cranberry jam. Mashed potatoes and pickled cucumber slices are great as a side dish.

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