Embark on a culinary journey to Sweden with these authentic Swedish Meatballs – a symphony of flavors and spices that will transport you to the heart of Scandinavian cuisine. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, these tender meatballs are oven-baked to perfection and paired with a luscious creamy gravy. Follow the recipe below to recreate the classic taste of Swedish comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (about 1 cup) fresh crustless bread crumbs*
- 1/4 tsp each nutmeg, allspice, cardamom
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 1/2 Tbsp butter, divided
- 2/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion (1/2 medium)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (1 clove)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3/4 lb 85% lean ground beef
- 3/4 lb ground pork
- 3 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil, spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare Bread Crumb Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh bread crumbs, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Pour in milk and toss with a fork. Let it rest while sautéing onions.
- Sauté Onions: Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until softened and slightly golden brown, about 6 minutes, adding garlic during the last 30 seconds.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: Add beef, pork, egg yolks, and onion mixture to the bread crumb mixture. Gently toss to evenly distribute ingredients.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop the mixture out 1 oz at a time and shape into balls. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly apart. Bake until cooked through (center should register 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer), about 18 – 22 minutes.
- Prepare Gravy: In the same skillet used to sauté onions, melt the remaining 3 1/2 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking until golden brown (2 – 3 minutes).
- Create Creamy Sauce: While whisking, slowly pour in broth and cream. Add Worcestershire sauce, season with salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. For a thicker consistency, simmer over low heat for a few minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Add meatballs to the warm sauce, ensuring they are coated evenly.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with minced fresh parsley if desired. Serve these authentic Swedish Meatballs with creamy gravy over your favorite side, such as mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these Authentic Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy offer a delightful taste of Scandinavia. The blend of aromatic spices and the richness of the creamy sauce make this dish a true comfort food classic. Elevate your home cooking with these tender meatballs, and savor the flavors of Sweden in every bite. Enjoy!