Swedish Meatballs in Sour Cream Sauce

Swedish Meatballs in Sour Cream Sauce Recipe - Traditional Dish with Beef, Pork, and Veal

Region / culture: Sweden | Servings: 4

Introduction

Swedish Meatballs in Sour Cream Sauce is a classic dish that is loved by many for its rich and savory flavors. This recipe features tender meatballs made with a combination of lean ground beef and pork, seasoned with herbs and spices, and cooked in a creamy sour cream sauce. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

History

Swedish Meatballs have been a staple in Swedish cuisine for centuries. They are believed to have originated in Sweden in the early 18th century and have since become a popular dish in many countries around the world. Traditionally, Swedish Meatballs are served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes, but this recipe puts a twist on the classic dish by serving the meatballs in a creamy sour cream sauce.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) beef chuck, fat-free
0.5 lb (227 g) fresh lean pork, fat-free
0.5 lb (227 g) veal, all fat
2 tbsp breadcrumbs
0.25 cup cream
2 tbsp diced beef marrow
2 tbsp butter
0.5 cup chopped onions
1 tbsp chopped shallots
0.5 tsp chopped garlic
1 tsp grated fresh lemon rind
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp salt
0.5 tsp fresh ground pepper
0.5 tsp thyme
2 eggs
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp vegetable oil

How to prepare

Prepare the meatballs at least an hour before cooking.
Soak the breadcrumbs in the cream for 5 minutes, then place them in a mixing bowl with the marrow and ground meats.
Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a frying pan and cook the chopped onion, shallots, and garlic over moderate heat for 5 minutes.
Add the grated lemon rind, parsley, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Beat the 2 eggs and pour them over the meat mixture.
Beat the mixture until the ingredients are combined and the meat loses its granular texture.
Form the mixture into small balls.
Roll the mixture until it is shaped into spheres.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet or platter lined with wax paper.
Lightly roll each meatball in flour just before frying.
Cover the meatballs with another sheet of waxed paper and chill for at least an hour.
Melt 3 tbsp of butter and 2 tbsp of oil over high heat in a large, heavy frying pan.
Drop enough meatballs into the pan to cover the bottom.
Immediately slide the pan back and forth over the burner so that the meatballs roll around in the hot fat.
Reduce the heat to moderate and cook the meatballs for an additional 6–7 minutes.
Transfer the cooked meatballs to a casserole dish.
If there is excess fat remaining in the pan, pour off all but 3 tbsp of it.
Stir 2 tbsp of flour into the pan and mix it with the fat to form a smooth paste.
Return the pan to low heat and cook the roux for a minute or so.
Then pour in the cup of stock.
Increase the heat and whisk the sauce together until it boils.
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
Stir the sour cream into the sauce, adding about a tablespoon at a time.
Add the fresh dill, lemon juice, salt to taste, and cayenne pepper.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the casserole dish.

Variations

For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the sauce for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the meatball mixture before shaping and frying them. This will help the meatballs hold their shape and prevent them from falling apart during cooking.

- When frying the meatballs, make sure to roll them around in the hot fat to ensure even browning on all sides.

- Be careful not to overcook the meatballs, as they can become tough and dry. Cook them just until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

- When making the sour cream sauce, be sure to whisk in the sour cream gradually to prevent it from curdling. This will help create a smooth and creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Swedish Meatballs in Sour Cream Sauce over a bed of egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor.

- Serve with lingonberry jam on the side for a traditional Swedish touch.

Cooking Techniques

Chilling the meatball mixture before shaping and frying helps them hold their shape.

- Rolling the meatballs in flour before frying creates a crispy outer crust.

- Whisking in the sour cream gradually prevents it from curdling and creates a smooth sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a lighter version.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the sauce for a tangy twist.

- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

The meatball mixture can be prepared and shaped ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to cook.

- The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Swedish Meatballs in Sour Cream Sauce in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs. - Arrange the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for a party appetizer. - Serve in individual ramekins for a cozy and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve with a side of lingonberry jam for a traditional Swedish touch.

- Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

- Serve with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

8g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 20g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 9g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 18g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 4% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (cream, butter, sour cream)

- Contains eggs

- Contains wheat (breadcrumbs)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and iron, but it is also high in fat and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Swedish Meatballs in Sour Cream Sauce is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. This recipe features tender meatballs made with a combination of lean ground beef and pork, seasoned with herbs and spices, and cooked in a creamy sour cream sauce. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Swedish Meatballs in Sour Cream Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I had ventured into a quaint little bookstore in the heart of Stockholm, Sweden. As I perused the shelves, my eyes fell upon a dusty, old cookbook tucked away in a corner. Curious, I picked it up and began flipping through the pages.

As I turned each page, I was transported to a world of tantalizing aromas and exotic flavors. And then, there it was - the recipe for Swedish Meatballs in Sour Cream Sauce. The ingredients were simple yet elegant, the instructions clear and concise. I knew in that instant that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

I purchased the cookbook without hesitation and hurried back to my grandmother's kitchen, eager to recreate the magic I had discovered. With each step, I could feel the connection to my Swedish roots growing stronger. The scent of sizzling meatballs and tangy sour cream filled the air, invoking memories of my grandmother's own kitchen and the stories she used to tell me about our family's heritage.

As I sat down to enjoy my creation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I knew that this recipe would become a beloved tradition in my own family, passed down from generation to generation.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe, making subtle tweaks and adjustments to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and loved ones, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. And through it all, I have held onto the memory of that fateful day in Stockholm, when I first discovered the secret to creating the perfect Swedish Meatballs in Sour Cream Sauce.

But the true beauty of this recipe lies not just in its delicious flavors, but in the stories and memories it invokes. With each bite, I am transported back to that bookstore in Sweden, to my grandmother's kitchen, to the warmth and love of family gatherings long past.

And so, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will savor not just the taste of the meatballs themselves, but the rich tapestry of history and tradition that they represent. May this dish bring you joy, comfort, and a deep connection to your roots, just as it has for me. Bon appétit!