Swedish meatballs are a classic dish that can be enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or even a snack. They are tender, juicy, and lightly spiced with nutmeg and allspice, and smothered in a creamy gravy that is perfect for dipping bread or mashed potatoes. In this article, we will show you how to make the perfect Swedish meatballs at home, with some tips and tricks from the experts.
The ingredients
To make Swedish meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:
- 400g lean pork mince and 400g lean beef mince: using a combination of pork and beef gives the meatballs more flavor and moisture. You can also use just beef mince if you prefer.
- 1 egg, beaten: this helps to bind the meat mixture together and prevent the meatballs from falling apart.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated: onion adds sweetness and aroma to the meatballs. Grating the onion also releases its juices, which help to moisten the bread crumbs.
- 85g fresh white bread crumbs: bread crumbs make the meatballs softer and lighter than using flour. You can use any kind of white bread, such as sandwich bread or baguette, and tear it into small pieces or pulse it in a food processor.
- 1 tbsp finely chopped dill, plus extra to serve: dill is a traditional herb used in Swedish cuisine, and it adds a fresh and fragrant touch to the meatballs. You can also use parsley or chives if you like.
- 1/4 tsp each of nutmeg and allspice: these are the signature spices that give Swedish meatballs their distinctive flavor. They add a subtle warmth and depth to the meatballs, without overpowering them. You can also use a pinch of cinnamon or cloves if you don’t have allspice.
- Salt and pepper: to season the meat mixture to your taste.
- 1 tbsp each of olive oil and butter: to fry the meatballs and make the gravy.
- 2 tbsp plain flour: to thicken the gravy and give it a smooth texture.
- 400ml hot beef stock: to make the gravy rich and savory. You can use a stock cube or a ready-made stock, or make your own from beef bones and vegetables.
- 100ml cream: to make the gravy creamy and velvety. You can use heavy cream, light cream, or sour cream, depending on your preference.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: to add some tanginess and umami to the gravy. You can also use soy sauce, Dijon mustard, or lemon juice if you like.
- Cranberry jelly or lingonberry jam: to serve with the meatballs as a sweet and tart contrast. Lingonberry jam is a traditional Swedish condiment, but it can be hard to find outside of Scandinavia. Cranberry jelly is a good substitute, or you can use any other berry jam or sauce.
The method
To make Swedish meatballs, follow these steps:
- In a large bowl, mix the pork and beef mince with the egg, onion, bread crumbs, dill, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to combine the ingredients well, but don’t overmix or the meatballs will be tough.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of walnuts. You should get about 40 meatballs. You can use a spoon, an ice cream scoop, or your hands to shape them. Wet your hands slightly to prevent the meat from sticking to them.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and keep them warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk to form a roux, a paste that will thicken the gravy. Cook the roux for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it is golden and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the hot beef stock, stirring well to dissolve any lumps. Bring the gravy to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until it is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the cream and Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and coat them with the gravy. Simmer for a few minutes until the meatballs are heated through.
- Sprinkle some chopped dill over the meatballs and gravy, and serve with cranberry jelly or lingonberry jam on the side. You can also serve the meatballs with mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, rice, noodles, or bread, and some green vegetables, such as green beans, peas, or broccoli.
The tips and tricks
To make the perfect Swedish meatballs, here are some tips and tricks from the experts:
- For extra soft and juicy meatballs, soak the bread crumbs in some milk before adding them to the meat mixture. This will make the bread crumbs more moist and fluffy, and they will expand inside the meatballs as they cook, creating air pockets that keep the meatballs tender.
- For extra flavor and aroma, sauté the onion in some butter before adding it to the meat mixture. This will caramelize the onion and bring out its natural sweetness and depth. You can also add some garlic, shallots, or leeks for more oniony goodness.
- For extra crispy and browned meatballs, chill the meatballs in the fridge for 30 minutes before frying them. This will firm up the meatballs and prevent them from falling apart or sticking to the pan. You can also dust the meatballs with some flour before frying them, to create a crust that seals in the juices.
- For extra smooth and glossy gravy, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the cream and Worcestershire sauce. This will remove any bits of flour or meat that might make the gravy lumpy or cloudy. You can also add some butter or cream cheese to the gravy, to make it more rich and silky.
Questions About Swedish Meatballs Perfection
What is unique about Swedish meatballs?
Swedish meatballs are known for their small size, typically made with a mix of ground meat (usually a combination of beef and pork) and sometimes veal. They are seasoned with a blend of spices, often including allspice and nutmeg, giving them a distinctive flavor. Traditionally, Swedish meatballs are served with lingonberry sauce and creamy gravy.
What is the sauce for Swedish meatballs made from?
The sauce for Swedish meatballs is typically a creamy gravy made with beef or vegetable broth, heavy cream, flour, and sometimes soy sauce for added depth of flavor.
What are the ingredients in cooked perfect Swedish meatballs?
The specific ingredients can vary, but typical components include ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, eggs, milk, and various spices such as allspice and nutmeg.
How do you keep Swedish meatballs from falling apart?
To prevent Swedish meatballs from falling apart, ensure the meat mixture has enough binding agents such as eggs and breadcrumbs. Additionally, avoid overmixing the meat, as this can make it too dense. Chilling the meatball mixture before shaping and cooking can also help them hold their shape.
What is the trick to keeping meatballs together?
The key to keeping meatballs together is achieving the right balance of ingredients. Use a combination of breadcrumbs or other binders (like oats or soaked bread) and eggs to help bind the meat mixture. Gentle mixing and not overworking the mixture are also crucial.
Should I put an egg in my meatballs?
Yes, adding eggs to the meatball mixture serves as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together and prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking.
What not to do when making meatballs?
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture, as it can result in dense and tough meatballs. Additionally, don’t skip the binding agents like eggs or breadcrumbs, as they help maintain the structure of the meatballs.
What happens if you forgot to put an egg in meatballs?
Without eggs or another binding agent, meatballs may have difficulty holding their shape during cooking, and they could fall apart. Eggs provide cohesion to the mixture, helping the meatballs maintain their form and texture.
Is it better to use milk or water in meatballs?
Both milk and water can be used in meatballs, but milk is often preferred for its ability to add moisture and richness to the mixture. The choice between milk and water depends on personal preference and dietary considerations.
The conclusion
Swedish meatballs are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. They are easy to make at home, with simple ingredients and a few tricks to make them perfect. They are best served with a creamy gravy and a fruity jam, and some starchy and green accompaniments. Try making Swedish meatballs for your next family dinner or special occasion, and you will be amazed by how good they taste!