Swedish BlueBalls
Swedish BlueBalls Recipe - Hearty Beef and Cheese Balls with Allspice and Nutmeg
Introduction
Swedish BlueBalls are a delicious and savory dish that combines the flavors of ground meat, spices, and creamy blue cheese. These flavorful meatballs are perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
History
Swedish BlueBalls have been a popular dish in Sweden for many years. The combination of ground meat, spices, and blue cheese creates a unique and tasty flavor profile that has stood the test of time.
Ingredients
- 1.25 lb (567 g) ground beef (15% fat)
- 0.25 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion, chopped or grated
- 1 medium egg
- 0.5 tsp ground allspice
- 0.5 tsp ground cardamom
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg
- salt and fresh ground pepper
- blue cheese cubes
- butter and oil for browning
- 1 can low sodium beef broth
- 8 oz (227 g) sour cream
- 1 tsp parsley
- more fresh ground pepper
How to prepare
- In a bowl, mix the ingredients together and let it chill for a while.
- Shape the mixture into balls.
- Make a hole in each ball and insert a chunk of blue cheese.
- Mold the balls tightly.
- In a pan, heat a bit of butter and oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the balls in the pan.
- Transfer the balls to a plate and drain most of the excess oil/butter.
- Deglaze the pan.
- Whisk in the sour cream and parsley.
- Return the balls to the pan.
- Season with more freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as feta or gorgonzola, in place of the blue cheese.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to chill the mixture before shaping the balls to help them hold their shape.
- Browning the balls in a pan adds a delicious caramelized flavor to the dish.
- Be sure to mold the balls tightly to ensure the blue cheese stays inside.
- Deglazing the pan and whisking in the sour cream creates a rich and creamy sauce to coat the meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
Swedish BlueBalls can be served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry sauce, and a side of steamed vegetables.
Cooking Techniques
Browning the meatballs in a pan before simmering them in the sauce helps to develop flavor.
- Deglazing the pan with beef broth adds depth to the sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use panko breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter texture.
- Substitute ground cloves for the nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
Swedish BlueBalls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to cook. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Swedish BlueBalls in a shallow bowl with the creamy sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Swedish BlueBalls pair well with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Swedish BlueBalls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Swedish BlueBalls contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Swedish BlueBalls contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Swedish BlueBalls contains approximately 20 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Swedish BlueBalls contains approximately 15 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Swedish BlueBalls are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.
Alergens
Swedish BlueBalls contain dairy (blue cheese) and eggs.
Summary
Swedish BlueBalls are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is relatively high in fat and protein. They are a good source of iron and vitamin B12.
Summary
Swedish BlueBalls are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The combination of savory meatballs, creamy blue cheese, and rich sauce creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. Enjoy this classic Swedish dish with your family and friends!
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a chilly winter day, the kind that makes you crave warm comfort food. I was rummaging through an old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I shuffled through the yellowed index cards and faded scraps of paper, I came across a handwritten note that simply read "Swedish BlueBalls."
Curiosity piqued, I pulled out the card and examined it closely. The recipe was written in elegant cursive, with detailed instructions and a list of ingredients that made my mouth water. I had never heard of Swedish BlueBalls before, but something about the name and the description of the dish intrigued me. I knew I had to give it a try.
I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and a few other items that were staples in my pantry. As I measured and mixed, I couldn't help but wonder where this recipe had come from. Who had written it down? And why had it been tucked away in a forgotten corner of the recipe box?
As the dough came together in my hands, I thought back to my own childhood and the many hours I had spent in the kitchen with my own grandmother. She was a talented cook, always experimenting with new recipes and flavors. I remembered the way she would sprinkle flour on her hands and then deftly shape dough into perfect little balls, each one a work of art.
I decided to call my own grandmother and ask her if she had ever heard of Swedish BlueBalls. Her voice was filled with nostalgia as she recalled a distant memory from her own youth. She told me that the recipe had been given to her by a dear friend who had traveled to Sweden many years ago. The friend had described the dish as a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, a treat that was perfect for special occasions.
Armed with this new information, I proceeded to roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. The scent of vanilla and sugar filled the air as I slid the tray into the oven, eager to see the final result.
When the timer dinged and I pulled the tray out of the oven, I was greeted with a sight that made my heart sing. The Swedish BlueBalls had turned a beautiful golden brown, their edges slightly crisp from the heat. I couldn't resist popping one into my mouth and savoring the buttery, sweet flavor that melted on my tongue.
I knew then that this recipe was a keeper. It had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist and making it their own. And now it was my turn to share it with my own loved ones, to pass on the tradition of Swedish BlueBalls to a new generation.
As I sat down with a cup of tea and a plate of warm Swedish BlueBalls, I couldn't help but smile. This simple recipe had brought me closer to my past, to the memories of my grandmother and the joy of cooking with loved ones. And for that, I was truly grateful.
Categories
| Allspice Recipes | Beef Recipes | Beef Stock And Broth Recipes | Cardamom Recipes | Cheese Recipes | Swedish Meat Dishes | Swedish Recipes |