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Savory Scandinavian Sensation: Mom’s Homemade Swedish Meatballs Recipe

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Kendra’s Swedish Meatballs 🇸🇪

Introduction:

Kendra’s Swedish Meatballs are a delightful rendition of the classic Scandinavian dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds with their savory flavors and tender texture. This recipe is a labor of love, perfected by Kendra’s mom through trial and error until she captured the essence of authentic Swedish meatballs. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests at a potluck, these meatballs are sure to be a hit!

  • Preparation Time: 25 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
  • Servings: 27 meatballs

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 2/3 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 1 tbsp condensed beef broth
  • 1 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce)

Instructions:

  1. Soak Bread Crumbs: Begin by soaking the bread crumbs in the milk. This step helps to add moisture and richness to the meatballs.

  2. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, nutmeg, kosher salt, and beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

  3. Saute Onions: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This adds a flavorful aromatic base to the meatballs.

  4. Incorporate Ingredients: Once the onions are cooked, add them to the bowl with the ground beef mixture. Also, add the soaked bread crumbs along with the milk. Gently mix everything together until fully combined.

  5. Rest the Mixture: Allow the meatball mixture to rest for about 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together and ensures tender meatballs.

  6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking pan with a rack.

  7. Form Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into 25-30 meatballs of equal size and place them on the prepared rack. This ensures even cooking and allows excess fat to drip away.

  8. Bake First Round: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This initial baking period helps to cook the meatballs through.

  9. Turn Meatballs: After the first 40 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and carefully turn each meatball over using tongs or a spatula. This ensures even browning on all sides.

  10. Continue Baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.

  11. Prepare Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. Pour off any excess grease from the pan. In the same pan, pour in the beef broth, allowing it to soak for 20 minutes to loosen any baked-on bits.

  12. Scrape Pan and Rack: After soaking, scrape the pan and rack to loosen any caramelized drippings. Set aside for later use in the sauce.

  13. Make Roux: In a small bowl, mix 2-3 tablespoons of flour with 1/2 cup of half-and-half until smooth. This mixture will thicken the sauce and add richness.

  14. Prepare Saucepan: Transfer the remaining half-and-half and beef broth from the pan into a saucepan. Add the pan scrapings and flour mixture. Mix well and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.

  15. Season Sauce: Once the sauce is simmering, add the condensed beef broth and tamari (or soy sauce). Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference, adding more tamari or beef broth concentrate if desired.

  16. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: When the sauce has thickened to your liking, gently add the baked meatballs to the saucepan. Coat the meatballs evenly with the sauce, allowing them to simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

  17. Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs over cooked egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 126.4
  • Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 3.6g
  • Cholesterol: 44mg
  • Sodium: 431.1mg
  • Carbohydrates: 4.7g
    • Fiber: 0.3g
    • Sugar: 0.6g
  • Protein: 8.6g

Tips:

  • For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard to the meatball mixture.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can strain it before adding the meatballs.
  • These Swedish meatballs freeze well. Simply cool them completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion:

With its rich flavors and tender texture, Kendra’s Swedish Meatballs recipe is a testament to the love and dedication that goes into homemade cooking. Whether served as a comforting weeknight meal or as part of a festive potluck spread, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey to Sweden with this delicious recipe!

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