
Swedish Meatballs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the Meatballs:
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In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the soaked breadcrumbs, ground beef, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You can use your hands or a spoon to shape them.
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In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
For the Sauce:
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook the roux for a couple of minutes until it's lightly golden.
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Gradually whisk in the beef or vegetable broth, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for a few minutes.
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Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce. Continue to cook the sauce for a few more minutes, allowing it to thicken further.
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Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Putting it All Together:
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Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce in the skillet. Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the creamy sauce.
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Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes to ensure they are heated through.
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Serve the Swedish meatballs over cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. They are often garnished with lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce for a traditional touch.
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Optionally, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the dish for added color and flavor.