Laura Smith
Swedish meatballs are a popular dish, often served with mashed potatoes and vegetables, or noodles. The meatballs are typically made with a combination of ground beef and pork, along with spices such as allspice and nutmeg. The addition of mushrooms to the sauce is a delicious variation on the classic Swedish meatball recipe, adding depth of flavour to the dish. The gravy is made with thinly sliced onions and mushrooms, cooked in butter and oil, and seasoned with herbs and spices. This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for a dinner party or a cosy night in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Meatballs: ground beef, pork mince, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, allspice, nutmeg, pepper, salt. Mushroom Gravy: butter, oil, onion, mushrooms, beef stock, flour, rosemary, thyme. |
| Preparation | Meatballs: Mix ingredients, roll into balls, chill, bake. Mushroom Gravy: Saute onions, mushrooms, herbs, and spices. Add stock and cream. |
| Serving | Serve with mashed potatoes, noodles, pasta, or rice. |
| Variants | Use chicken mince or veal instead of beef. Use sour cream instead of cream. Add sherry to the mushroom gravy. |
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What You'll Learn
Meatball ingredients
Swedish meatballs are traditionally made with ground beef and pork mince. However, some recipes suggest using only beef mince, which is less fatty, or substituting beef with chicken mince. For vegetarians, soy mince is a good alternative.
To make the meatballs, you will need to combine the meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and aromatics such as onion, garlic, parsley, spices, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include milk, egg white, and panko breadcrumbs. Nutmeg and allspice are not usually found in classic Swedish meatballs but are common in IKEA's version.
Once you have combined the meatball ingredients in a large bowl, form them into medium-sized balls. A tip to ensure evenly-sized meatballs is to use a small ice cream scoop to portion the meat mixture. Place the meatballs on a lined or greased baking sheet and refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to four hours.
After chilling, bake the meatballs in the oven at around 400°F for 20 minutes. Browning the meatballs is important for adding colour and flavour. However, they don't need to be fully cooked at this stage as they will be braised later.
Swedish meatballs are typically served with mashed potatoes and vegetables or tagliatelle pasta.
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Mushroom gravy ingredients
To make mushroom gravy, you will need a variety of ingredients, including mushrooms, a form of fat or oil, flavourings, a thickening agent, and a liquid base.
The type of mushrooms you use is important. Cremini, portobello, and oyster mushrooms add a rich flavour to the gravy, but cremini mushrooms are a good budget-friendly option. You can also use dried mushrooms, such as porcini, to add depth of flavour.
For the fat or oil, you can use butter, olive oil, or another oil of your choice. This will be used to cook the mushrooms and other ingredients, adding richness and helping to develop flavour.
Flavourings for mushroom gravy can include shallots, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. These ingredients add depth and savoury notes to the gravy. You can also add soy sauce or tamari, which can enhance the savoury flavour of the mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce, which can add a savoury tang.
A thickening agent is important to give the gravy its characteristic consistency. Flour is a common choice, but cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
Finally, the liquid base helps to turn the other ingredients into a gravy. You can use beef stock, vegetable stock, or another type of broth or stock of your choice.
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Meatball preparation
Meatballs are a versatile dish with many variations. Swedish meatballs with mushroom gravy are a delicious and comforting meal that can be prepared with a few simple steps. Here is a detailed guide to preparing the meatballs for this classic dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine your choice of ground meat. Traditionally, Swedish meatballs use a combination of ground beef and pork mince. However, you can opt for just beef mince or even experiment with chicken mince for a leaner option. Add in the finely chopped onions, garlic, and any desired spices like allspice and white pepper. You can also include breadcrumbs and an egg to help bind the mixture. Mix all the ingredients together until evenly combined.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, divide the meat mixture into evenly sized portions. Wet your hands with cold water to prevent the meat from sticking, and roll each portion into a ball. Aim for a size of around 1 inch in diameter, as Swedish meatballs are typically bite-sized. Place the formed meatballs on a lined or greased baking sheet.
Step 3: Refrigerate and Bake
Once all the meatballs are formed, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least an hour, and preferably 3-4 hours. This helps the meatballs firm up and hold their shape during baking. After refrigeration, bake the meatballs in an oven preheated to 400°F for about 20 minutes. This step gives the meatballs a nice colour and flavour. They don't need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Step 4: Braise the Meatballs
In a large, heavy-bottom skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and gently braise them, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. This step adds more flavour and ensures the meatballs are cooked through.
Now that the meatballs are prepared, you can move on to making the mushroom gravy. Combining these juicy meatballs with a rich and savoury gravy creates a mouthwatering Swedish meatball dish that is sure to impress!
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Mushroom gravy preparation
To make mushroom gravy, you will need a combination of mushrooms, oil, butter, beef stock, and herbs. Some recipes also call for onions, flour, and cream. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing mushroom gravy:
Selecting the Mushrooms:
You can use ordinary white button mushrooms or Cremini/Swiss Browns for a more intense mushroom flavour. For an even more gourmet option, you can use a mix of Cremini, Portobello, and Oyster mushrooms, which will add depth to your gravy. If you want to make a creamy mushroom gravy, you can use dried porcini mushrooms, which have a more concentrated flavour.
Sautéing the Vegetables:
Heat a combination of oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook until they are golden brown and softened, about 3 minutes. Next, add the mushrooms to the skillet. Cook the mushrooms in batches to prevent them from stewing and becoming watery. Continue cooking until the mushrooms are caramelized and golden brown. If you are using dried porcini mushrooms, you can add them in a ground form at this stage.
Adding Liquid and Thickeners:
Add beef stock to the skillet to create the base for your gravy. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch to thicken the gravy. If gluten is not a concern, add flour to the skillet and cook for a few minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the gravy and add flavour.
Seasoning and Herbs:
Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add dried or fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to enhance the flavour of the gravy.
Simmering and Serving:
Allow the gravy to simmer for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. If you are making a creamy mushroom gravy, stir in some heavy cream at the end. Serve your mushroom gravy over meats like steak, chicken, or meatloaf, or alongside mashed potatoes and vegetables.
This mushroom gravy preparation guide provides a versatile base that can be adjusted to your taste preferences and paired with a variety of dishes. Enjoy experimenting with the ingredients and creating your own delicious version of mushroom gravy!
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Serving suggestions
Swedish meatballs with mushroom gravy are a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for any dinner party or family gathering. This hearty meal is a spin on the classic Swedish meatballs, which are traditionally served with a creamy sauce and a side of mashed potatoes or noodles. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Swedish meatballs with mushroom gravy:
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for Swedish meatballs. The creamy texture and mild flavour of mashed potatoes provide a perfect balance to the savoury gravy and juicy meatballs. For an authentic Swedish experience, serve your meatballs on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. You can even add some butter and chopped fresh parsley to your mashed potatoes for an extra touch of flavour and elegance.
Noodles or Pasta
Noodles or pasta are also a great option to serve with Swedish meatballs in mushroom gravy. The gravy coats the noodles or pasta, creating a delicious and hearty dish. You can use tagliatelle, spaghetti, or any type of long noodle that will hold the sauce well. Don't forget to drain the pasta thoroughly before serving and topping it with the meatballs and gravy. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for added freshness and colour.
Vegetables
Swedish meatballs with mushroom gravy can also be served with a variety of vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic are a perfect complement to the dish, adding depth of flavour and texture. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots or parsnips, or steamed greens like green beans or broccoli. The earthiness of the vegetables pairs well with the richness of the gravy.
Lingonberries and Pickles
For an authentic Swedish touch, serve your meatballs with a side of lingonberries. Lingonberries are a traditional Scandinavian fruit that adds a burst of tartness to the dish. You can also offer some pickled cucumbers or other pickled vegetables on the side, which will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the gravy and meatballs.
Bread
A crusty piece of bread or a warm roll can be a wonderful addition to soak up all the delicious gravy. Look for a rustic loaf or a sourdough bread that will stand up to the hearty sauce. Bread can be a great way to ensure your guests can enjoy every last bit of the savoury mushroom gravy.
Swedish meatballs with mushroom gravy is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste and preferences. Feel free to get creative with your sides and toppings, and don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours and ingredients. Enjoy the process of crafting this comforting meal and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
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Frequently asked questions
Swedish meatballs with mushroom gravy are often served with mashed potatoes and a variety of vegetables. It can also be served with pasta or rice.
The key ingredients for Swedish meatballs are ground beef and/or pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, allspice, and white pepper.
It takes approximately 40 minutes to make Swedish meatballs with mushroom gravy. The meatballs are baked for 20 minutes and the gravy takes about 15 minutes to prepare.
