In April 2018, Sweden’s government issued the following confession on Twitter: “Swedish meatballs are actually based on a recipe King Charles XII brought home from Turkey in the early 18th century. Let’s stick to the facts!” It’s believed that King Charles XII used food as a way to boost the relationship between the two countries. According to some food experts, the confession is inaccurate because it’s uncertain where meatballs originated. Sweden later used its official Twitter account to agree, saying that the meatball’s “culinary history is complex.”
Recipe Servings: 6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 Tbsp onion, diced
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp dry breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Olive oil, as needed
Sauce:
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
- Mix together all the ingredients for the meatballs, except the olive oil, and set the mixture aside.
- Shape the meat into heaping tablespoon-size balls.
- Place a large frying pan over medium heat and drizzle in enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
- Drop the meatballs into the heated pan and cook for 7–10 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally to ensure all sides are browned.
- Remove the meatballs from the pan and place on paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Reduce the heat on the pan to medium-low.
- Melt the butter in the pan and then whisk in the flour until it turns golden brown.
- Whisk in the beef broth slowly and cook until thickened.
- Stir in the milk or heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Add the meatballs back into the pan and roll them around to coat them in the sauce.
- Add fresh parsley, if desired, and serve.
For Meatballs:
For Sauce:
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