Swedish Meatballs, or “Köttbullar,” are a beloved staple of Swedish cuisine. Known for their tender texture and warm spices, these meatballs are often served with a rich, creamy sauce that complements their savory flavor. While traditionally enjoyed during festive gatherings or as a comforting family meal, these meatballs have made their way into kitchens around the world. This recipe offers a unique twist on the classic dish, combining both ground beef and pork, and infused with subtle hints of nutmeg and Italian seasoning. Paired with a luscious cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 slice of soft bread
- 2 tablespoons of water
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Swedish Meatball Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons corn starch
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a small bowl, soak the slice of bread in 2 tablespoons of water until soft. Mash it into a paste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and the bread paste.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
- Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them gently with a spoon or tongs to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
- This should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then slowly add this to the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer them in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve the meatballs hot, over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with a side of lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish experience.
Conclusion
These Swedish Meatballs offer a comforting and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed any day of the week. The combination of ground beef and pork, seasoned with warm spices and paired with a creamy sauce, creates a meal that is both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re familiar with Swedish cuisine or new to it, this dish is a wonderful way to explore the flavors of Scandinavia from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Classic Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy: A Scandinavian Delight
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 slice of soft bread
- 2 tablespoons of water
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- For the Swedish Meatball Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons corn starch
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- o In a small bowl, soak the slice of bread in 2 tablespoons of water until soft. Mash it into a paste.
- o In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and the bread paste.
- o Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- o Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
- o Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them gently with a spoon or tongs to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
- o This should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Make the Sauce:
- o In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- o Add the beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- o In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then slowly add this to the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Combine and Serve:
- o Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer them in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- o Serve the meatballs hot, over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with a side of lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish experience.