Swedish Meatballs

Swedish Meatballs Recipe - Ground Round Steak with Traditional Sour Cream Sauce and Flavorful Spices

Region / culture: Sweden | Servings: 4

Introduction

Swedish Meatballs are a classic dish that originated in Sweden and have become popular worldwide. These savory meatballs are typically served with a rich and creamy gravy, making them a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

Swedish Meatballs have been a staple in Swedish cuisine for centuries. They are believed to have originated in the 18th century and were traditionally made with a mixture of ground beef and pork. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of spices and seasonings, giving the meatballs their signature flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground round steak
0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 egg, slightly beaten
0.67 tsp salt
dash of pepper and allspice
1 tbsp margarine

How to prepare

In a medium-sized bowl, mix all ingredients except margarine using a fork until well blended.
Shape the mixture into balls.
In a medium-sized skillet, brown the meatballs in margarine.
Remove the meatballs from the skillet.
Using the drippings in the skillet, prepare a thickened gravy.
Return the meatballs to the gravy.
Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours.
The dish can be frozen either raw or cooked.

Variations

You can use a mixture of ground beef and pork for a more traditional flavor.
Add chopped onions or garlic to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the meatballs hold together well.

- Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the gravy adds extra flavor to the dish.

- For a richer gravy, you can add a splash of cream or sour cream to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Swedish Meatballs are traditionally served with lingonberry jam, mashed potatoes, and pickled cucumbers.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the gravy helps to seal in the juices and adds flavor to the dish.

- Simmering the meatballs in the gravy for an extended period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and savory sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of steak for a leaner option.

- Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make Ahead Tips

Swedish Meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen either raw or cooked. Simply thaw and reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Swedish Meatballs in a large serving dish with a generous drizzle of gravy and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Swedish Meatballs pair well with a side of lingonberry jam, mashed potatoes, and pickled cucumbers. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables also make a great accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Swedish Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Swedish Meatballs contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Swedish Meatballs contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Swedish Meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Swedish Meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Swedish Meatballs are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

Swedish Meatballs contain eggs and breadcrumbs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Swedish Meatballs are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Swedish Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a rich and savory gravy, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Sweden. My mother had passed down her love for cooking to me, and I spent many hours by her side in the kitchen, learning the secrets of traditional Swedish dishes.

One day, a distant relative from a neighboring village came to visit us. She was a wonderful cook and had brought with her a new recipe for Swedish meatballs that she had learned from a friend. I watched in awe as she mixed the ground beef with breadcrumbs, onions, and spices, shaping the mixture into perfect little meatballs. The aroma that filled the kitchen as she fried them in butter was heavenly.

I could hardly contain my excitement as I eagerly helped her prepare the creamy sauce that would accompany the meatballs. She taught me how to make a roux with flour and butter, slowly adding beef broth and cream until it thickened into a velvety smooth sauce. A dash of nutmeg and a sprinkle of parsley added the perfect finishing touch.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal together, I took my first bite of the tender meatballs smothered in that rich, savory sauce. It was love at first taste. The flavors danced on my tongue, a perfect balance of savory and creamy, with just a hint of warmth from the spices. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

From that day on, I made Swedish meatballs whenever I wanted to impress my family and friends. I experimented with different variations, adding a touch of lingonberry jam for a sweet and tangy twist, or serving them with a side of buttery mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. Each time I cooked this dish, it brought back fond memories of that day in the kitchen with my relative, learning the secrets of this delicious recipe.

Over the years, I shared this recipe with many others, passing it down to my own children and grandchildren. It became a beloved family tradition, a dish that we would always make together on special occasions and holidays. The sound of meatballs sizzling in a hot pan and the scent of creamy sauce bubbling on the stove would fill our home with warmth and comfort.

As I grew older, I found solace in cooking this recipe, a connection to my past and a reminder of the love and joy that food can bring. It became more than just a dish to me, but a symbol of my heritage and a way to preserve the traditions of my ancestors.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of Swedish meatballs cooking on the stove, I am filled with gratitude for the journey that brought me to this moment. The recipe that I learned so many years ago has become a part of who I am, a link to my past and a gift that I can pass on to future generations.

And as I sit down to enjoy a plate of tender meatballs bathed in creamy sauce, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that will last a lifetime. This recipe, with its simple ingredients and rich flavors, will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and joy that cooking can bring into our lives.