Swedish Meatballs with Ground Beef and Pork
Swedish Meatballs with Ground Beef and Pork Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful Dish!
Introduction
Swedish Meatballs are a classic dish that originated in Sweden and have become popular worldwide. These delicious meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, seasoned with spices and herbs, and then baked to perfection. They are typically served with a creamy gravy sauce and lingonberry jam.
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 served at special occasions and holidays. The dish gained international popularity when it was featured in the IKEA catalog and became a favorite among customers.
Ingredients
- 2 lb (907 g) ground beef
- 1 lb (454 g) ground pork
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 0.13 cup chopped onions
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sugar
- 0.5 tsp pepper
How to prepare
- Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, similar in size to melon balls.
- Coat a cookie sheet with cooking spray.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.
- If making larger meatballs, bake for a longer duration.
Variations
- You can add chopped parsley or dill to the meat mixture for added flavor.
- For a healthier option, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
- You can also add a splash of cream or sour cream to the gravy sauce for a richer taste.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the meatballs are well-seasoned.
- Use a cookie scoop to shape the meatballs for a uniform size.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the meat mixture.
- To prevent the meatballs from sticking to the pan, coat it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Serving Suggestions
Swedish Meatballs are traditionally served with lingonberry jam, creamy gravy sauce, and mashed potatoes. They can also be served with noodles or rice.
Cooking Techniques
Baking the meatballs in the oven is a healthier alternative to frying them in oil. It also helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the meatballs.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have allspice, you can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves as a substitute. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Swedish Meatballs on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, lingonberry jam, and a drizzle of gravy sauce. You can also serve them in individual bowls with a side of mashed potatoes or noodles.
Pairing Recommendations
Swedish Meatballs pair well with a glass of red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot. You can also serve them with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Swedish Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Swedish Meatballs contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Swedish Meatballs contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Swedish Meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Swedish Meatballs contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Swedish Meatballs are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Alergens
Swedish Meatballs contain dairy (milk) and eggs.
Summary
Swedish Meatballs are a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a meal.
Summary
Swedish Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a perfect blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with spices and herbs, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Serve them with lingonberry jam, creamy gravy sauce, and mashed potatoes for a traditional Swedish meal that everyone will love.
How did I get this recipe?
I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Swedish Meatballs with Ground Beef and Pork. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I sat poring over an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the aged, yellowed pages, my eyes fell upon the words that would forever change the way I saw meatballs.
The recipe was simple yet elegant, calling for a mixture of ground beef and pork, bread crumbs soaked in milk, and a blend of spices that promised to create a flavor unlike any I had ever tasted before. Intrigued, I set to work gathering the ingredients and preparing the dish, my hands moving deftly as I shaped the meat mixture into perfect little spheres.
As the meatballs sizzled in the pan, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma, I marveled at how something so humble could hold such promise. I knew then that this recipe was special, that it would become a staple in my own culinary repertoire for years to come.
But the story of this recipe goes beyond just a passing moment in my kitchen. It is a tale of tradition and family, of shared meals and cherished memories that have been passed down through the generations.
I first learned to make Swedish Meatballs from my own mother, who had picked up the recipe during a visit to Sweden many years ago. She had brought it home with her, a precious souvenir from a land far away, and had taught me how to make it with the same care and attention to detail that she had learned from the kindly Swedish woman who had shared it with her.
As I stood over the stove, browning the meatballs to a perfect golden hue, I could almost hear my mother's voice guiding me through each step, her laughter ringing in my ears as we shared stories of our own adventures in the kitchen.
And as I sat down to enjoy the fruits of my labor, savoring each tender, flavorful bite of those Swedish Meatballs, I felt a deep sense of connection to my mother and to the generations of women who had come before me. I knew then that this recipe was not just a dish to be enjoyed, but a link to the past, a way of honoring those who had passed it down to me with love and care.
Over the years, I have made these Swedish Meatballs countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared them with friends and family, who have marveled at their unique flavor and tender texture. And I have passed the recipe on to my own children, who now carry on the tradition of making them with the same love and dedication that I have always shown.
As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that this recipe has taken me on, I am filled with gratitude for the gift that it has been to me and to my family. It is more than just a dish - it is a piece of history, a symbol of the love and connection that binds us together across time and distance.
And so, as I continue to make these Swedish Meatballs, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a soul brimming with memories of those who have taught me the true value of a well-cooked meal. For in each bite of those tender, flavorful meatballs, I taste the love and care of generations past, and I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring us together in joy and unity.
Categories
| Ground Beef Recipes | Meatball Recipes | Pork Recipes | Swedish Appetizers | Swedish Recipes |