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Swedish Kotbuller over mashed potatoes.

Best Authentic Swedish Meatballs: köttbullar

Carne Diem Culinary
Step aside IKEA, these may just be the best Swedish meatballs you have ever tried, no assembly required. Whether you choose to make them the traditional way, or on your grill or smoker, this recipe for Authentic Swedish Meatballs, is packed with flavor and will be sure to be a hit with the entire family.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Swedish
Servings 6 people
Calories 660 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • mixing bowls
  • Cookie Sheet

Ingredients
  

Meat mixture

  • 1 pound Ground Beef
  • 1 pound Ground Pork
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground Allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
  • ½ Yellow Onion Shredded
  • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • cup Heavy Cream (plus 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 Tablespoon Parsley finely chopped
  • 1 Egg beaten
  • 1 Tablespoon Butter
  • 2 teaspoons Olive Oil

Gravy

  • 2 Tablespoon Butter
  • ¼ cup Flour
  • 3 Cup Beef Stock
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 Tablespoon Parsley for garnish
  • ¼ teaspoon Allspice

Instructions
 

Making the meatball mixture

  • Combine the ground beef and ground pork in a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl mix the salt, pepper, allspice and nutmeg with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Pour the mixture into the bowl with the meat and mix well to combine.
  • Shred the yellow onion with a box or cheese grater and add to the bowl with the meat.
  • In a small bowl mix the panko and ⅓ cup of heavy cream and let set for 2-3 minutes then add to the bowl with the meat.
  • Finely chop the parsley and add to the meat mixture.
  • Beat the egg and add to the meat mixture then mix well with your hands to ensure the mixture is evenly combined.
  • Form the meat into small meatballs, roughly 2-3 inches or about 1 heaping tablespoon. You should have enough meat mixture to make about 20-25 meatballs. Köttbullar are typically smaller than their Italian meatball counterparts but you can form them to whatever size you desire.

Cooking the meatballs

  • Next heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted and foamy. Brown the meatballs, in batches until evenly browned, but not cooked though, then remove them to a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
  • When you have finished browning all of the meatballs, place the cookie sheet in a 350 degree oven while you make the gravy (about 10 minutes).

Making the gravy

  • In the same pan that you browned the meatballs, add 2 more tablespoons of butter and heat until melted over medium-low heat. Form a roux by adding in ¼ cup of flour and stirring continuously with a whisk until well combined.
  • Continue to whisk for about 2 minutes until you have a pale roux, then slowly add in 2 cups of beef stock, about ½ a cup at a time, stirring with each addition.
  • Next stir in the seasonings and mix well, then add in the heavy cream and whisk until combined. If the gravy is too thick you can thin with a small amount of additional beef stock.
  • Remove the meatballs from the oven and place them in the gravy. Flip them over to make sure they are covered on all sides, then increase the heat to medium and bring to a brief simmer. Check the meatballs for doneness then reduce the heat to low and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 660kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 31gFat: 54gSaturated Fat: 25gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 205mgSodium: 832mgPotassium: 726mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 918IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 3mg
Keyword heavy cream, Meatballs, panko, Swedish
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