Authentic Swedish Meatballs Recipe
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:
1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare Bread Crumb Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, 1 tsp salt (or to taste), and 1/2 tsp pepper. Pour in milk and mix with a fork. Let it rest while you sauté the onions.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: 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. Add garlic during the last 30 seconds.
4. Mix Meatball Ingredients: Add ground beef and pork to the bread crumb mixture along with egg yolks and the sautéed onion mixture. Gently mix to evenly combine the ingredients.
5. Shape Meatballs: Scoop out 1 oz of the mixture at a time (using a medium cookie scoop or about 2 tbsp each) and shape into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
6. Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through, about 18 – 22 minutes. The center should reach 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.
7. Prepare Gravy: In the same skillet used for the onions, melt the remaining 3 1/2 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking until golden brown, about 2 – 3 minutes. Slowly pour in beef broth and heavy cream while whisking. Add Worcestershire sauce, and 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.
8. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the baked meatballs to the warm gravy and toss to coat. Sprinkle with minced fresh parsley if desired.
9. Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs warm with egg noodles or mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam for an authentic touch.
Enjoy this classic Swedish meatballs recipe, perfect for a hearty dinner that brings the taste of Sweden to your table!
