Swedish Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Swedish meatballs, known as “köttbullar” in Sweden, have a long and rich history. They have been a beloved dish in Swedish cuisine for centuries and are often associated with traditional Swedish holidays and celebrations.

The origin of Swedish meatballs can be traced back to the 18th century, where they were first mentioned in a Swedish cookbook. However, variations of meatballs have been found in ancient Roman and Middle Eastern cuisine, suggesting that the concept of meatballs has been around for much longer.

In Sweden, meatballs were traditionally made with a mixture of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and various spices. They were then cooked in a hot pan and served with lingonberry sauce or gravy. Over time, the recipe for Swedish meatballs has evolved, with different regions and families adding their own unique twists and flavors.

Swedish Meatballs With Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Swedish

Servings 4 People

Calories 475 kcal

Swedish meatballs, known as "köttbullar" in Sweden, have a long and rich history. They have been a beloved dish in Swedish cuisine for centuries and are often associated with traditional Swedish holidays and celebrations.

Kitchen equipment list

• 1 Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

  

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• ▢ 2 lb 1lb Ground beef and 1lb Pork: The combination of these two meats creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures in the meatballs.
• ▢ ¼ cup Breadcrumbs: These help to bind the meatballs together and give them a tender texture.
• ▢ 1 Medium Onion: Finely chopped onion adds moisture and flavor to the meatball mixture.
• ▢ 3 tbsp Milk: Adding milk to the meatball mixture helps to keep them moist and tender.
• ▢ 2 large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder and help to hold the meatballs together.
• ▢ ¼ tsp Spices: ¼ tsp Nutmeg and¼ tsp allspice are the key spices that give Swedish meatballs their distinctive flavor.
• ▢ Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.

Instructions 

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, milk, eggs, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
• Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You can use your hands or a small scoop to portion out the meatball mixture.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Once the skillet is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Cook the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
• Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

❋ Kitchen Chaos Unlocked Tips

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor

To ensure that your Swedish meatballs turn out tender and flavorful, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can result in tough and dense meatballs. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
2. Use fresh breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs will give your meatballs a lighter texture compared to dry breadcrumbs.
3. Let the meatball mixture rest: Allowing the mixture to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before shaping the meatballs will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to handle.
4. Cook the meatballs gently: Cooking the meatballs over medium heat will ensure that they cook evenly without burning or becoming dry.
5. Test for doneness: To ensure that the meatballs are cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the center of a meatball. It should register at least 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

Serving: 289 gCalories: 475 kcalCarbohydrates: 12 gProtein: 28 gFat: 35 gCholesterol: 165 mgFiber: 1 g

Keyword Swedish Meatballs

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The Importance of Homemade Mashed Potatoes

To complement the flavorful Swedish meatballs, homemade mashed potatoes are a must. While store-bought varieties may be convenient, nothing beats the creamy and fluffy texture of homemade mashed potatoes.

Making mashed potatoes from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, the process is simple and requires just a few key ingredients: potatoes, butter, milk or cream, and salt.

How to Make Creamy and Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

Follow these steps to make the perfect mashed potatoes to accompany your Swedish meatballs:

1. Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for making mashed potatoes due to their high starch content.
2. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook.
3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to medium. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps.
5. Add butter, milk or cream, and salt to taste. Mash or stir the ingredients together until they are fully incorporated and the mashed potatoes are creamy and fluffy.

Creating a Rich and Flavorful Gravy

No Swedish meatball dish is complete without a rich and flavorful gravy. The gravy adds an extra layer of indulgence to the meatballs and mashed potatoes, tying all the flavors together.

To make the perfect gravy for your Swedish meatballs, follow these simple steps:

1. After cooking the meatballs, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. Leave the drippings and any browned bits in the skillet.
2. Add butter or oil to the skillet and heat it over medium heat. Once the butter has melted or the oil is hot, add flour to create a roux. Stir the flour continuously until it is golden brown.
3. Slowly whisk in beef broth or stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add cream or sour cream to the gravy. Stir until the cream is fully incorporated and the gravy is smooth and velvety.
5. Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for additional flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy make a hearty and satisfying meal on their own. However, you can also serve them with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments to enhance the dining experience. Here are a few ideas:

1. Lingonberry sauce: Traditional Swedish lingonberry sauce is a classic accompaniment to Swedish meatballs. Its tart and slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the savory meatballs and creamy mashed potatoes.
2. Steamed vegetables: Serve a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans, to add freshness and color to the plate.
3. Pickled cucumbers: The tangy and crisp flavor of pickled cucumbers provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory meatballs.
4. Lingonberry jam: If you can’t find lingonberry sauce, lingonberry jam is a great alternative. Spread it on top of the meatballs or serve it alongside as a dipping sauce.
5. Cranberry sauce: If lingonberries or lingonberry products are not available, cranberry sauce can be a tasty substitute. Its sweet and tart flavor complements the meatballs and adds a touch of holiday spirit.

Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy are a true delight for the taste buds. The combination of tender and flavorful meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

By following this recipe and incorporating the tips and techniques shared, you can recreate the authentic flavors of Swedish cuisine in your own kitchen. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Sweden at home.