Swedish Meatballs
 
 
Ingredients
  • For the meatballs:
  • 12 oz ground beef (or 8 oz ground beef and 4 oz ground lamb or pork)
  • ½ onion, finely diced or grated
  • ½ tsp allspice
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp summer savory
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup panko crumbs
  • 1 egg, slightly beaten
  • 4 tsp butter, divided
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • For the sauce:
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • ¾ cup beef stock
  • ½ cream
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • Optional:
  • ½ cup fresh crimini mushrooms, sliced
Instructions
  1. In a saute pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sweat the onions until translucent.
  2. Set aside the onions to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, add the meat, spices, egg, onions, and panko.
  4. Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly being careful not to overmix/overwork the meat.
  5. Begin forming the meatballs by pinching off some meat and gently rolling the ball with your palms. The optimal size is approximately 1 inch in diameter.
  6. In a large skillet, heat the remaining butter and olive oil over medium/medium high heat. When the butter stops foaming, begin placing the meatballs in the pan and brown them, being careful when turning so they do not break.
  7. When all the meatballs are browned (they do not have to be cooked all the way through, we will finish them in the gravy), remove them from the pan.
  8. If the butter/olive oil is not burnt, add the butter, reducing the heat to medium.
  9. (If using fresh mushrooms, saute them at this step and set aside to be added later with the meatballs.)
  10. When melted, add the flour and stir to create a simple roux.
  11. Cook the roux until about the color of coffee with cream, then add the beef stock.
  12. Stir the stock and roux well to combine and create the base sauce.
  13. Bring the sauce to a simmer before adding the cream.
  14. Stir to combine and when simmering lightly, add the meatballs (and mushrooms if using).
  15. Allow the meatballs to gently simmer for 15 - 20 minutes.
  16. Add the sour cream in portions around the pan and stir to combine.
  17. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
This meal can be served with rice, egg noodles, and even mashed potatoes.
Recipe by Cooking 4 One at https://www.cooking-4-one.com/2016/10/16/swedish-meatballs/