Swedish Meatballs

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)

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Line a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil, spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2:

Add bread crumbs, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, 1 tsp salt (or to taste), 1/2 tsp pepper to a large mixing bowl.

Pour in milk and toss with a fork, let rest while sautéing onions.

Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.

Add onions and saute until softened and slightly golden brown, about 6 minutes, while adding garlic during the last 30 seconds.

Step 3:

Add beef and pork to bread crumb mixture along with egg yolks and onion mixture.

Gently toss mixture to evenly distribute ingredients.

Scoop dough out 1 oz at a time (using either a medium cookie scoop or nearly 2 tbsp each) and shape into balls.

Transfer to prepared baking sheet spacing evenly apart.

Step 4:

Bake in preheated oven until cooked through (center should register 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer), about 18 – 22 minutes.

Meanwhile in same skillet used to saute onions melt the remaining 3 1/2 Tbsp butter over medium heat.

Add flour and cook and whisk until golden brown, about 2 – 3 minutes.

Step 5:

While whisking, slowly pour in broth and cream.

Add in 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.

Step 6:

Add meatballs to warm sauce and toss, sprinkle with parsley.

Serve warm with egg noodles or mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam if desired.

Enjoy !!

Notes:

Bread Crumbs: Fresh bread crumbs are recommended for a better texture, but you can use pre-made bread crumbs if needed. Adjust the amount of milk slightly to achieve the desired consistency.

Cardamom Substitute: If you don’t have cardamom, you can omit it or use a small amount of cinnamon as a substitute. Cardamom adds a unique flavor, so try to include it if possible.

Protein Substitution: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a leaner option. This will slightly alter the flavor and texture but is a great alternative.

Lingonberry Jam: While traditional, lingonberry jam can be substituted with cranberry sauce or skipped altogether if unavailable. It provides a sweet and tart contrast to the savory meatballs.

Preparation Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake. Adjust cooking times accordingly if baking from frozen.

Spice Blend: The combination of nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom gives the authentic flavor to Swedish meatballs. Adjust the spice blend to your preference or omit certain spices as needed.

Meat Substitution: Experiment with different meat combinations such as turkey, chicken, or lamb to suit your taste.

Cream Substitute: For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk in the sauce. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Freezing Meatballs: Cooked meatballs can be frozen for later use. Ensure they are fully cooled before storing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the recipe based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability. The sauce can be customized by adding additional seasonings or adjusting the consistency to your liking.

Nutrition Information:

Frequenly Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-made bread crumbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use pre-made bread crumbs, but fresh ones are recommended for the best texture and flavor.

If using pre-made bread crumbs, you might need to adjust the amount of milk slightly.

What can I substitute for the cardamom if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have cardamom, you can omit it or use a small amount of cinnamon as a substitute.

However, cardamom adds a unique flavor to Swedish meatballs, so it’s recommended if possible.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork?

Certainly! While traditional Swedish meatballs are made with beef and pork, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might differ slightly.

Is lingonberry jam necessary for serving?

Lingonberry jam is a classic accompaniment to Swedish meatballs, adding a sweet and tart contrast.

However, if you can’t find lingonberry jam, you can use cranberry sauce or even skip it if you prefer.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for longer storage.

Just make sure to adjust the baking time if cooking from frozen.

Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs instead of making fresh ones?

Yes, you can use store-bought breadcrumbs if you prefer.

However, fresh breadcrumbs tend to provide a lighter and moister texture to the meatballs.

Is it necessary to use all the listed spices (nutmeg, allspice, cardamom)?

Using the specified spices gives the authentic flavor of Swedish meatballs.

However, you can adjust the spice blend to your taste preferences or omit certain spices if needed.

Can I substitute the ground beef and pork with other meats?

While the recipe calls for a mix of ground beef and pork, you can experiment with different meat combinations like ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb.

Keep in mind that it might alter the flavor slightly.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.

The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Can I freeze the meatballs for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs for later use.

Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.