Today we present to you the method of making Swedish meatballs. It is clear from its name that it is of Swedish origin. This meal gained wide fame when it was offered during shopping tours in international malls with branches around the world.
We present to you the method of preparing meatball kofta according to the recipe of Chef Fatima, so that you can prepare it easily and quickly in a short time.
Table of Contents
How to Make Swedish Meatballs?
Ingredients For the Meatballs
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Small onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, finely chopped | 2 |
| Ground beef | 500 g |
| Anchovies | 4 |
| Breadcrumbs | 70 g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Liquid cream (any kind) | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Allspice (or cinnamon, cloves, pepper, nutmeg mix) | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1 pinch |
For the Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 15 g |
| Flour | 15 g |
| Apple juice mixed with 1 teaspoon vinegar (halal substitute) | 50 ml |
| Beef broth | 250 ml |
| Mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Liquid cream | 30–45 ml (2–3 tablespoons) |
To Serve
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cranberry jam (or similar) | 1 small bowl |
| Chopped dill or parsley | As desired |
Instructions:
- Sauté the onion and garlic until softened and let them cool slightly. Choose a large pan, as you will later use the same pan to cook the meatballs and prepare the sauce.
- In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients, including the onion and garlic. Mix with your hands and form into meatballs. Brown them in a pan over high heat with a drizzle of oil until golden brown. Place them on a baking sheet.
- Put the meatballs in the oven on the second rack and program 15 minutes at 100ºC, 100% steam (Bosch intensity 3 / AEG steam only).
- Meanwhile, heat the broth in a jug.
- Use the meatball scraps left in the pan to make the sauce:
- Melt the butter.
- Add the flour and stir for a couple of minutes to make a roux.
- Add a splash of apple juice with vinegar, stirring, and let it evaporate.
- Gradually pour in the stock. The sauce should be thick but not too thick.
- If necessary, add more stock.
- If using chicken stock instead of beef stock, you can add a tablespoon of soy sauce for color.
- Add the mustard and cream.
- Let it simmer for a couple of minutes over low heat, then turn off the heat.
- Scatter the chopped dill on top and serve with mashed potatoes and cranberry jam.
Video Guide 📽️
Notes
The breadcrumbs give the meatballs structure and prevent them from flattening or falling apart.
If they seem too soft:
- Add a little more breadcrumbs (not too much).
- Or place them in the refrigerator for a while after forming them and before frying.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Vegan Meatball Recipe
This vegetarian version of the meatball recipe comes from the food blog of Swedish chef Gustav Johansson, “Jävligt gott”.
Ingredients
(serves 4 people)
For the Vegan Meatballs
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian minced meat | 400 grams |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Yellow onion | 1 |
| Vegetable broth | 1.5 tablespoons |
| Mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground spices | ½ tablespoon |
| Vegetable butter (for frying) | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
For the Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oat cream | 400 ml |
| Vegetable broth | 1.5 tablespoons |
| Bilberry | 5 grams |
| Soy sauce with dark Chinese mushrooms | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 tablespoon |
| Juniper berries | 5 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
To Prepare Pickled Cucumbers
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh cucumber | 1 |
| Salt | As needed |
| Vinegar (12% concentration) | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 100 ml |
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| White pepper | A pinch |
| Chopped parsley | Small handful |
To Prepare Ox Grapes
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ox grapes | 30 grams |
| Sugar | 10–15 grams |
To Prepare Mashed Potatoes
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 1 kg |
| Oat cream | 200 ml |
| Vegetable butter | 2–3 tablespoons |
| Ground nutmeg | A pinch |
| Salt | To taste |
| White pepper | To taste |
Preparation Method
- If using frozen, thaw the plant-based mince substitute for about 45 minutes at room temperature.
- Finely dice the onion and add it, along with the other ingredients, to the mince substitute. Mix by hand and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form small balls about 2 cm in diameter and fry them in vegetable butter in a hot pan until browned and firm.
- Use the same hot pan to make the sauce. Combine all the sauce ingredients and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce and let them heat through slightly.
- Serve with boiled potatoes and oxberry.
Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can form the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
2. Can I freeze Swedish meatballs?
Yes, after cooking, let them cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
3. What can I use instead of beef?
You can substitute with ground chicken or turkey while keeping the same seasoning.
4. Is the sauce necessary?
The sauce is traditional and gives the dish its creamy texture, but the meatballs can also be served without it.
Conclusion: Swedish meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender meatballs with a rich, creamy sauce. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can easily prepare this classic meal at home. Serve it with mashed potatoes and cranberry jam for a complete and satisfying experience.
