Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls
Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls Recipe - Authentic Scandinavian Dish
Introduction
Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls are a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. These delicious meatballs are made with a combination of beef, pork, and veal, giving them a rich and savory flavor. The addition of fresh dill and whipped cream adds a unique twist to this traditional recipe.
History
The recipe for Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls has been passed down through the generations at the famous Luchow's restaurant in New York City. Originally founded in 1882, Luchow's was known for its authentic German and European cuisine. The Swedish Meat Balls quickly became a customer favorite and have remained a staple on the menu ever since.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Grind together beef, pork, and veal very finely, twice.
- Mix the ground meat with shallots, garlic, dill, whipped cream, eggs, and sugar.
- Add salt, pepper to taste, cayenne, and sauce. Stir and mix until well blended and smooth.
- Shape the mixture into small, neat balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Saute the meatballs in butter over medium heat, cooking slowly for about 20 minutes.
- Transfer the pan to a moderate oven and cook for an additional 20 to 25 minutes.
- Afterward, add cream to the pan to create a thin gravy.
Variations
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef, pork, and veal.
- You can also add breadcrumbs or oats to the meat mixture for added texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to grind the meat very finely to ensure a smooth texture in the meatballs.
- Cooking the meatballs slowly over medium heat will help them retain their shape and prevent them from falling apart.
- Adding cream to the pan after cooking the meatballs will create a delicious gravy that pairs perfectly with the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls are traditionally served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes. They also pair well with buttered noodles or steamed vegetables.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to cook the meatballs slowly over medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and retain their shape.
- Adding cream to the pan after cooking the meatballs will create a delicious gravy that adds extra flavor to the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have fresh dill, you can use dried dill in its place.
- You can also use sour cream in place of whipped cream for a tangier flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the meat mixture for Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to cook the meatballs. This can help save time on busy weeknights.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls on a platter with lingonberry sauce drizzled over the top for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs for an extra touch of elegance.
Pairing Recommendations
Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls pair well with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine. They also go well with a side of pickled cucumbers or sauerkraut.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a pan with a little cream and heat over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls contains approximately 20 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Alergens
Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls contain dairy (whipped cream) and eggs.
Summary
Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls are a rich and flavorful dish that is high in protein and fat. They are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, but may not be suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies.
Summary
Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls are a classic dish that is rich in flavor and tradition. With a combination of beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at your next dinner party. Serve them with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes for a truly authentic experience.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found the recipe for Luchow's Swedish Meatballs. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend Agnes, who had passed away a few years ago. Agnes was a wonderful cook and she had a treasure trove of recipes that she had collected over the years. I was going through her cookbook one day, reminiscing about the times we had cooked together, when I stumbled upon this particular recipe.
The name Luchow's caught my eye immediately. I had heard of the famous New York City restaurant that specialized in German and Austrian cuisine, but I had never been there myself. The thought of recreating one of their signature dishes in my own kitchen was exciting to me.
I decided to give the recipe a try, even though I had never made Swedish meatballs before. I gathered all the ingredients I would need – ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, and a few spices. The recipe also called for a creamy sauce made with beef broth, heavy cream, and a touch of mustard. It sounded delicious.
As I mixed the ingredients together and formed the meatballs, I couldn't help but think of Agnes. She had always encouraged me to try new things in the kitchen and to never be afraid of making mistakes. I knew that she would have been proud of me for taking on this challenge.
Once the meatballs were cooked and the sauce was simmering on the stove, I couldn't resist sneaking a taste. The flavors were rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the cream. I knew that I had stumbled upon something special.
As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I closed my eyes and savored each bite. The meatballs were tender and flavorful, and the sauce was the perfect complement. I could almost imagine myself dining at Luchow's, surrounded by the elegant decor and the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses.
After dinner, I made a note to myself to add this recipe to my collection. It was a dish that I knew I would be making again and again, especially when I wanted to impress family and friends. I could already envision their faces lighting up as they took their first bite of these delicious Swedish meatballs.
In the days that followed, I shared the recipe with a few close friends who were also avid cooks. They were intrigued by the story behind the dish and eager to try it for themselves. It brought me joy to see them recreate the recipe in their own kitchens, adding their own personal touches and variations.
Years went by, and the recipe for Luchow's Swedish Meatballs became a staple in my repertoire. It was a dish that I would often turn to when I wanted to feel connected to Agnes and to the memories we had shared. I would think of her as I cooked, imagining her smile and her encouraging words spurring me on.
To this day, whenever I make Luchow's Swedish Meatballs, I am transported back to that moment of curiosity and discovery. It reminds me of the power of food to bring people together, to spark creativity, and to create lasting memories. And I am grateful for the legacy that Agnes left behind, in the form of a simple yet delicious recipe that has become a cherished part of my culinary journey.
Categories
| Beef Recipes | Pork Recipes | Swedish Meat Dishes | Swedish Recipes | Veal Recipes |