Sure! Here’s a detailed recipe for Porcupine Meatballs, a delightful dish that brings together flavors reminiscent of Scandinavian cuisine with a twist of European flair. These meatballs are infused with memories of familial warmth and the rich culinary heritage of Swedish descent.
Porcupine Meatballs 🍽️
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 1 nine x thirteen pan size
Description:
When my husband and I first met, his great aunt had made these for us on a visit. These were so wonderful I asked her for the recipe. She is of Swedish descent and a wonderful cook.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 3/4 cup rice
- 1 stalk celery
- 1 onion
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can water
Instructions:
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Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring it’s ready for your savory creation.
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Mixing the Meat: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, egg, salt, applesauce, and rice. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated. This step ensures that your meatballs are not only flavorful but also tender and moist.
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Forming Meatballs: Once the meat mixture is combined, take portions and shape them into walnut-sized balls. This process is not only practical but also quite enjoyable, as you mold each meatball into perfect little spheres, ready to delight your taste buds.
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Arranging in the Pan: Carefully place the formed meatballs into the greased 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring they’re evenly spaced for even cooking. This step sets the stage for the next layer of flavors to come.
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Adding Vegetables: Next, finely chop the celery stalk and onion, spreading them evenly over the meatballs in the baking pan. This addition not only adds texture and color but also infuses each bite with a burst of freshness.
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Creating the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with a can of water until well combined. This creamy sauce will envelop the meatballs as they cook, adding a rich and savory dimension to the dish.
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Pouring the Sauce: Once the sauce is prepared, gently pour it over the meatballs and vegetables in the baking pan. Ensure that the sauce coats each meatball generously, promising a decadent and flavorful outcome.
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Baking: Place the prepared baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. During this time, the meatballs will absorb the flavors of the sauce and vegetables, while the rice inside each meatball will cook to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the meatballs are cooked through and the aroma fills your kitchen, it’s time to serve this culinary masterpiece. Plate the Porcupine Meatballs alongside your favorite side dishes or enjoy them on their own for a meal that’s sure to impress.
With each bite of these Porcupine Meatballs, you’ll savor the blend of flavors that pays homage to the traditions of Swedish cuisine while adding a touch of your own culinary creativity. Whether shared with loved ones or savored solo, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.