Emily Johnson
Swedish meatballs are a well-known dish, but do they traditionally contain mushrooms? The answer is yes, Swedish meatballs are often served with mushrooms in a creamy sauce or gravy. This dish is considered a Nordic speciality and is known to locals as Köttbullar. While there are variations on the recipe, the gravy is typically made with thinly sliced onions and a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, portobello, and oyster mushrooms. The meatballs themselves are made with ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and spices. This combination of ingredients creates a rich and savoury taste that has made Swedish meatballs a popular dish worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Swedish Meatballs with Mushrooms |
| Cuisine | Nordic, Swedish |
| Main Ingredients | Meatballs, Mushrooms |
| Meatball Ingredients | Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Breadcrumbs, White Onion, Garlic, Allspice, White Pepper, Milk, Egg, Worcestershire Sauce |
| Mushroom Ingredients | Cremini, Portobello, Oyster Mushrooms, Butter, Olive Oil |
| Other Ingredients | Chicken Stock, Butter, Flour, Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice, Cream, Parsley, Tagliatelle Pasta, Mashed Potatoes |
| Preparation Method | Sautéing, Braising, Roasting, Boiling |
| Serving Suggestions | Serve warm with mashed or boiled potatoes, lingonberry jam, or pickled cucumber |
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What You'll Learn
Swedish meatballs with mushrooms: a recipe
Swedish meatballs are a delicious Nordic speciality, known to locals as Köttbullar. The meatballs are traditionally made with pork mince, but beef mince is also a great option.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Pork mince
- Breadcrumbs
- White onion
- Garlic
- Allspice
- White pepper
- Milk
- Egg
- Worcestershire sauce
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Flour (gluten-free or regular)
- Chicken or beef stock
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Cream
- Mushrooms (white button, cremini, portobello, oyster, or a combination)
- Fresh parsley
Method
Start by mixing the ground beef and pork mince in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, milk, and Worcestershire sauce, and allow to cool. Once cooled, add the egg and combine with the meat mixture. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, and place them on a lined or greased baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally 3-4 hours.
To make the mushroom gravy, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until softened. Then, add the mushrooms and cook until they start to brown. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add the hot chicken or beef stock, whisking continuously. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Finally, whisk in the cream and bring the sauce to a boil.
Bake the meatballs in an oven preheated to 400°F for 20 minutes. Once the meatballs are browned and cooked through, add them to the creamy mushroom gravy. Simmer for an additional 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve the Swedish meatballs with a generous drizzle of the creamy mushroom gravy. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with buttered tagliatelle or fluffy mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
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Meatball alternatives
While meatballs are a delicious comfort food, some people may want to try alternatives for health, ethical, or other reasons. Here are some meatball alternatives:
Vegan Meatballs
Vegan meatballs are a great alternative for those who follow a plant-based diet or are looking to reduce their meat consumption. They can be made from various ingredients, including tofu, tempeh, jackfruit, walnuts, mushrooms, chickpeas, and sunflower seeds. These vegan meatballs can be seasoned with Italian herbs and spices and bound together using rolled oats, breadcrumbs, and ground flaxseed. They can be baked, air-fried, or cooked in an air fryer and served with vegan cheese, sauce, or other vegan sides.
Meatballs with Different Sauces
For those who enjoy the taste of meatballs but want to explore beyond the traditional tomato-based sauce, there are several options. Meatballs can be cooked in a slow cooker with grape jelly and BBQ sauce for a unique flavour profile. Alternatively, cranberry sauce, either whole berry or leftover fresh cranberry sauce, can be added to the crockpot for a tangy twist. Asian chili sauce can be used instead of the traditional Kraft chili sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Meatball Appetizers
Meatballs can be transformed into bite-sized appetizers by using smaller portions and serving them with a variety of dips and sides. Meatballs can be served as a sports snack mix with crackers, cheese, mango, grapes, and chili powder for an extra kick. They can also be sliced and topped on pizza or used as a filling for meatball subs or paninis.
Meat Alternatives
For those looking for a meat alternative, there are fake beef products available that can be used in meatball recipes. Additionally, Impossible Burger patties can be used as a base for creating vegetarian meatballs.
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The gravy
To make the gravy, heat a large, heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted and starts to foam, add the sliced onions and cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes. Then, add the mushrooms and cook until caramelised, stirring occasionally. For a more budget-friendly option, you can use only cremini mushrooms or button mushrooms, cooking them in butter until deeply caramelised.
After the onions and mushrooms are cooked, add in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes. Then, slowly whisk in the beef stock to prevent lumps from forming. You can also add a combination of cremini, portobello, and oyster mushrooms at this stage for added flavour. To enhance the flavour further, add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme, or dried herbs if preferred.
Finally, bring the gravy to a boil and gently add the roasted meatballs one at a time, being careful not to splash. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the meatballs to absorb the flavours. Then, remove the lid, slightly increase the heat to medium, and continue to simmer until the gravy thickens and coats a spoon.
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Serving suggestions
Swedish meatballs are a comforting and hearty dish that can be served in a variety of ways. The classic way to serve them is with mashed potatoes and vegetables, creating a satisfying and flavourful meal. For a more indulgent option, serve the meatballs and gravy on a bed of buttered tagliatelle pasta. This combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a comforting treat on a cold day.
If you're looking for a creative twist, Swedish meatballs can be transformed into a delicious sandwich filling. Try a meatball sub, a panini, or even a Swedish meatball bánh mì. These sandwiches are perfect for a quick and tasty lunch and offer a fun change from the traditional serving suggestions.
For those who enjoy a good spaghetti and meatballs dish, Swedish meatballs can be a delicious alternative to the classic Italian version. The creamy sauce and unique spices of the Swedish meatballs will give a new dimension of flavour to this familiar dish. You can also add a Scandinavian twist to another classic, pizza, by topping it with Swedish meatballs and their signature creamy sauce.
For a vegetarian option, Swedish meatball-style mushrooms are a tasty and satisfying choice. These mushrooms are cooked until caramelized and served over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. This dish captures the flavours of Sweden while offering a meatless alternative that is perfect for a comforting fall meal.
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Swedish meatball history
Swedish meatballs, or "köttbullar" in Swedish, have a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. The dish's origin story can be traced back to King Charles XII, who brought a recipe for meatballs back to Sweden from his exile in the Ottoman Empire (which included modern-day Turkey). This cultural exchange laid the foundation for what would become one of Sweden's most beloved dishes.
The recipe for Swedish meatballs first appeared in print a few decades after King Charles XII's return to Sweden in 1714. It was published in a book titled "Guide to Housekeeping for Young Women" by the cook Cajsa Warg, who worked for a family that had been close to the king. Over the years, the recipe has undergone various adaptations to cater to local tastes and ingredients, incorporating regional spices and locally sourced meats.
Swedish meatballs are considered a symbol of Swedish cuisine and have become a culinary emblem of the country. They are often served in local restaurants and homes, reflecting the unique variations in family recipes passed down through generations. The dish is typically made with ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, allspice, white pepper, milk, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. It is often served with mashed or boiled potatoes, lingonberry jam, and sometimes pickled cucumber.
The popularity of Swedish meatballs has had a significant economic impact on local businesses and the food industry in Sweden. It has boosted tourism and increased demand for Swedish dining experiences, benefiting Swedish-themed restaurants globally. Swedish meatballs have truly come a long way from their humble beginnings in the Ottoman Empire, and they continue to be a beloved dish that captivates the hearts and taste buds of food lovers worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are mushrooms in Swedish meatballs. The mushrooms are usually thinly sliced and cooked in butter until caramelized. They are then added to the meatballs and coated in a creamy sauce.
A variety of mushrooms can be used, such as cremini, portobello, and oyster mushrooms. However, cremini mushrooms, also known as brown mushrooms or mini bellas, are a great budget-friendly option.
Swedish meatballs are typically made with a combination of ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, white onion, garlic, allspice, white pepper, milk, egg, and Worcestershire sauce.
The meatballs are usually roasted in the oven and then braised in the mushroom gravy on the stovetop. They can be served with mashed or boiled potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumber.
Yes, there is a vegetarian option called "Swedish meatball-style mushrooms." This dish uses baby bella mushrooms in place of meatballs and is served over egg noodles or rice.
