Köttbullar, or Swedish meatballs, are a beloved Swedish classic. These flavorful, bite-sized meatballs have captured hearts worldwide, with their origins rooted in Sweden. They’re a symbol of Swedish comfort food and often served with lingonberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes.
| Country | Sweden |
| Degree of Difficulty | Easy |
| Type of Food | Main Course |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Serving Size | 4 people |
Ingredients For the Meatballs:
- 500g ground beef
- 250g ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
Ingredients For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Lingonberry sauce, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
- Add the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, and ground allspice to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small, round meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add the beef or vegetable broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve the Köttbullar hot with lingonberry sauce on the side. They pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving – without sides)
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Fat | 33g |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Sugar | 0.25g |
| Fiber | 0.25g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- Serve Köttbullar with lingonberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes for a traditional Swedish meal.
Tips or Variations:
- To ensure perfectly round meatballs, wet your hands with cold water while shaping them.
- Köttbullar are often enjoyed with lingonberry sauce, but you can also serve them with gravy or cranberry sauce.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- While Köttbullar is synonymous with Swedish cuisine, meatballs are enjoyed in many other countries, each with its unique twist on the classic meatball.
Allergen Checklist:
- This recipe contains meat and dairy, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Be cautious if anyone has allergies to beef, pork, dairy, or gluten due to the breadcrumbs
