Kicked-Up Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped purple onion
- 4 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ pound ground pork
- 3/4 pound ground chuck
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon plus a pinch freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3 ½ cups beef broth
- ¼ cup preserved lingonberries, plus more for serving
- Boiled new potatoes, for serving (optional)
Directions
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, sauté 1 cup of the onions in 1 ½ tablespoons of the butter until soft and light golden brown, about 4 to 6 minutes. Set aside to cool, then add the onions to a medium mixing bowl along with the ground chuck, ground pork, 1 ½ teaspoons of the salt, ½ teaspoon of the pepper, the allspice and nutmeg.
In a small bowl combine the breadcrumbs with the milk and ¼ cup of the cream and allow to sit until breadcrumbs are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the breadcrumb mixture and the egg to the meat mixture, and, using your hands, mix well to thoroughly combine.
Using a tablespoon measure as a guide, scoop the meat mixture into meatball portions, about 2 tablespoons of meat each. Using lightly damp hands, roll the meatballs until they are smooth and round. Transfer to a large plate or baking dish while you form the remaining meatballs.
In a medium skillet, heat ½ tablespoon of the remaining butter until foamy. Add one third of the meatballs and cook, turning frequently, until the meatballs are browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the meatballs to a Dutch oven or other heavy large saucepan and repeat with the remaining meatballs, adding an additional ½ tablespoon of butter to the skillet before each addition.
Add the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of butter and the remaining ½ cup of chopped purple onions to the skillet and cook until the onions are soft, about 4 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Whisk in the beef broth little by little and cook until the sauce is smooth and thick, about 4 minutes. Transfer the sauce to the Dutch oven and add the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, a pinch of black pepper, the remaining ¾ cup heavy cream and the currant jelly. Be careful stirring the pot as to not break up the meatballs. Bring the contents of the Dutch oven to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat so that the sauce simmers. Cook, uncovered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meatballs are very tender and the sauce is thick and flavorful.
Meatballs are traditionally served with boiled new potatoes, cucumber salad and preserved lingonberries, but make a wonderful addition to any party spread.
Recipe Details
- Dish Type: Entree
- Cuisine: Swedish/Nordic
- Cooking Method: Combination
- Occasion: Any
- Effort Level: Moderate
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