Very Tasty Swedish Meatballs

Swedish Meatballs Recipe - Very Tasty and Authentic

Region / culture: Sweden | Servings: 4

Introduction

Swedish meatballs are a classic dish that is loved by many for its savory flavors and comforting appeal. This recipe for Very Tasty Swedish Meatballs is sure to become a favorite in your household, with its juicy meatballs smothered in a creamy sauce.

History

Swedish meatballs have been a staple in Swedish cuisine for centuries, with variations of the dish dating back to the 18th century. Traditionally served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes, Swedish meatballs are a popular dish in Sweden and around the world.

Ingredients

2 cups breadcrumbs
0.67 cup milk
1 tbsp butter
0.5 cup finely chopped onions
1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp paprika
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
1 tbsp beef broth
1 cup sour cream

How to prepare

Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet and sauté the onion over low heat.
Mix together the bread crumbs, ground beef, and onions.
Add the eggs, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and paprika.
Shape the meat mixture into small balls, dusting your hands with flour frequently.
Melt the remaining 3 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs and fry them until cooked through.
Stir in 3 tbsp of flour and mix well until blended.
Add the beef broth and a bit of pepper.
Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
Cook for about 5 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Stir in the sour cream a little at a time.
Return the meatballs to the pan. Cover the pan and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Season to taste and serve immediately.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter version.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dust your hands with flour when shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.

- Cooking the meatballs in butter adds a rich flavor to the dish.

- Stir in the sour cream slowly to prevent curdling.

- Season the dish to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Swedish meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the onions until they are soft and translucent for a sweeter flavor.

- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use panko breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.

- The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Swedish meatballs in a decorative serving dish with lingonberry jam on the side. - Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve with a side of lingonberry jam and pickled cucumbers for a traditional Swedish meal.

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

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.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

400

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 23g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 24g

- Saturated Fat: 11g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 28g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 12%

- Vitamin C: 4%

- Calcium: 8%

- Iron: 20%

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Wheat

Summary

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

Summary

These Very Tasty Swedish Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a creamy sauce and flavorful meatballs, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Sweden. I had always loved to cook, even from a young age, and I would often spend hours in the kitchen with my mother, watching her prepare meals for our family.

One day, a new family moved into the village, and they brought with them a recipe for Swedish meatballs that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The aroma wafting from their kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

I plucked up the courage to approach the new family and ask for the recipe. To my surprise, they were more than happy to share it with me. The secret, they told me, lay in the combination of spices they used and the way they cooked the meatballs slowly in a rich, creamy sauce.

I rushed home with the recipe clutched in my hand, eager to try it out for myself. I spent hours in the kitchen, carefully measuring out the ingredients and following the instructions to the letter. The result was a dish that was even more delicious than I had imagined. The meatballs were tender and flavorful, and the sauce was rich and creamy, with just the right amount of herbs and spices to give it a kick.

From that day on, Swedish meatballs became a staple in our household. I would make them for special occasions, or just when I wanted to treat my family to a delicious meal. Over the years, I experimented with the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it truly my own.

One of my favorite memories involving these meatballs was when my children were young. They would come home from school, their mouths watering at the smell of the meatballs cooking on the stove. They would sit at the kitchen table, eagerly waiting for me to serve them up with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce.

As they grew older, they would often bring their friends over to try my famous Swedish meatballs. I would watch with pride as they devoured every last bite, their eyes widening in delight at the flavors bursting in their mouths. It was moments like these that made all the time and effort I had put into perfecting the recipe worth it.

Years passed, and my children grew up and moved out on their own. But they would still come home for holidays and special occasions, and I would always make sure to have a big pot of Swedish meatballs waiting for them. It became a tradition in our family, one that I hoped would be passed down through the generations.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells and sounds of cooking, I am filled with a sense of contentment. The recipe for Swedish meatballs that I discovered all those years ago has become a part of who I am. It is a link to my past, a reminder of the village where I grew up and the people who shared their recipes with me.

I hope that one day, my grandchildren will learn to make these meatballs themselves, and that they will pass the recipe on to their own children. Because to me, cooking is more than just a way to nourish our bodies – it is a way to connect with our past, to share our stories, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. And for me, there is no better recipe to do that than my Very Tasty Swedish Meatballs.