Authentic Swedish Meatball Recipe
When contemplating the ideal pairings for authentic Swedish meatballs, a few accompaniments immediately come to mind.
Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour
Additional Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Swedish
Keyword: Authentic Swedish Meatball Recipe
Servings: 6
Calories: 309kcal
- ⅓ pound finely minced pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- ½ cup rich heavy whipping cream
- ½ container tangy sour cream
- 1 small shallot or onion finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon aromatic allspice
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large farm-fresh egg
- ⅔ pound lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or as required for thickening
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups warm beef broth adjust as needed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 slices slightly stale white sandwich bread torn into crumbs
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground dried ginger
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Step 2: Add the Spices
In goes the finely chopped shallot or onion, dark brown sugar, allspice, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and ginger. Each spice plays a critical role in building layers of flavor. Stir this mixture gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to tough meatballs.
Step 3: Incorporate the Binders
Now, it’s time to mix in the torn bread crumbs, egg, heavy cream, and sour cream. The creaminess binds everything together and keeps the meatballs moist. Mix it with your hands for the best results!
Step 4: Form the Meatballs
Step 5: Sear and Brown the Meatballs
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once it’s melted and bubbling, add the meatballs. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes total. Browning adds depth to flavor.
Step 6: Prepare the Gravy
Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside. In the same skillet, scrape any delicious bits left behind and add the chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and remaining butter. Whisk in flour to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly ground meat ensures a better texture than pre-packaged varieties.
- Chill the Mixture First: Refrigerate the meat mixture for about 30 minutes before forming meatballs. This helps them hold shape when cooking.
- Do Not Overmix: Mixing too vigorously can lead to dense meatballs. Gentle mixing is key for tenderness.
- Experiment with Spices: While the traditional flavors are appealing, feel free to adjust spices to your taste.
- Make Ahead: These meatballs freeze well. Make a double batch and stock your freezer for busy days.
Serving: 120g | Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 20.4g | Saturated Fat: 9.2g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 503mg | Sugar: 2g