Michael Davis
Swedish meatballs are a traditional dish from Sweden that is often served as a comfort food. They are typically made with ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and a blend of herbs. While the classic recipe does not include mushrooms, some variations of the dish add them to the sauce or as a side dish. The addition of mushrooms enhances the flavour and makes the dish even more delicious. Swedish meatballs are usually served with mashed or boiled potatoes and can be enjoyed as a hearty and comforting meal during cold winters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Comfort food |
| Main ingredients | Meatballs, mushrooms, cream sauce |
| Meatball ingredients | Ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, allspice, white pepper, Worcestershire sauce |
| Mushroom sauce ingredients | Shallots, mushrooms, butter, olive oil, flour, beef stock, wine, Dijon mustard, cream |
| Accompaniments | Mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, rice, buttered egg noodles, tagliatelle, lingonberry jam, pickled cucumber |
| Recipe variations | Use of chicken mince, vegetarian/vegan options, tomato sauce, meatball subs, paninis, Bánh mì |
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What You'll Learn
Swedish meatballs with mushrooms: a traditional recipe
Swedish meatballs are a creamy, comforting Nordic speciality, known to locals as Köttbullar. The dish is usually made with pork mince, however, beef mince is a less fatty alternative. For vegetarians, mushroom-based meatballs are also an option.
Traditionally, Swedish meatballs are served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. However, tagliatelle is also a popular choice. The sauce is rich and creamy, flavoured with spices like nutmeg and mixed spice, and ingredients such as Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh cream.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- Ground beef and/or pork
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Mushrooms (white button, cremini, portobello, oyster, or baby bellas)
- Butter
- Flour (gluten-free or regular all-purpose)
- Beef stock
- Herbs
- Flat parsley
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- Heat olive oil in a wide-based pan and sauté the onions until soft and translucent. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool.
- Add a little more oil to the pan and cook the mushrooms over high heat until the liquid evaporates. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef and/or pork with the cooled onions, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped parsley, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 3-4 hours.
- Bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- In the same pan, heat butter until bubbling. Stir 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.
- Whisk in the cream and bring to a slow boil.
- Add the meatballs back to the pan and coat them in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or tagliatelle, garnished with chopped parsley and a drizzle of lemon-enhanced olive oil.
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Meat alternatives for Swedish meatballs
Swedish meatballs are traditionally made with a combination of pork and beef mince. However, there are several alternative meats and vegetarian options that can be used to make this dish.
For those who prefer a lighter option, chicken or turkey mince can be used as an alternative to the traditional red meats. This will result in a softer and juicier meatball, similar to the effect of using pork mince.
For a vegetarian option, mushrooms can be used as a meat substitute. Canned mushrooms or Portobello mushrooms are recommended for their meaty texture and flavour. Tempeh, a soy-based product, can also be used as a vegetarian alternative to meat. It can be grated and used as a ground beef substitute in the recipe.
Another option for vegetarians is to use a plant-based meat alternative, such as Gardein's veggie meatballs, which are known to go well with Mediterranean sauces.
It is worth noting that the type of meat used in Swedish meatballs is not the only factor that contributes to their flavour and texture. The addition of spices such as nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon, as well as the use of breadcrumbs, eggs, and herbs, all play a role in creating the authentic taste and texture of Swedish meatballs.
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Mushroom gravy for Swedish meatballs
Swedish meatballs are traditionally made with pork mince, but beef mince is also a popular alternative. While adding mushrooms to the sauce is not traditional, it is a great way to increase the vegetable content of the dish.
To make mushroom gravy for Swedish meatballs, you will need a large, heavy-bottom skillet or pan. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil and two tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted and started to foam, add in thinly sliced onions and cook for three minutes or until they start to soften.
Next, add in the mushrooms. You can use a combination of cremini, portobello, and oyster mushrooms for a rich flavour, or cremini mushrooms alone for a more budget-friendly option. Cook the mushrooms until they start to brown, then sprinkle in flour and mix. You can use all-purpose gluten-free flour or regular all-purpose flour.
Pour in the beef stock and bring the gravy to a boil, stirring continuously. To add depth of flavour, you can also add in some Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and cream. Whisk in the cream and bring the mixture slowly up to a boil.
Finally, add the meatballs to the pan and coat them in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Serve with buttered tagliatelle pasta or fluffy mashed potatoes.
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Creamy mushroom sauce for Swedish meatballs
Swedish meatballs are a delicious Nordic speciality, often served with a rich and creamy sauce. While the traditional recipe does not include mushrooms, adding them to the sauce can increase the vegetable content of the dish.
Ingredients:
- 15 ml olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Mushrooms (white button, baby bellas, or shiitake)
- Butter
- Flour
- Chicken or beef stock
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a wide-based pan. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. In the same pan, add a little more oil and heat until shimmering. Add the mushrooms and cook over high heat until they release their liquid and it evaporates. Season lightly with salt, black pepper, and oregano, then set aside.
To make the meatballs, combine ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, an egg, milk, chopped parsley, spices, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
When ready, bake the meatballs in a 400-degree oven for 20 minutes, or until browned. In a separate pan, melt butter and add the cooked onions and mushrooms. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the warm chicken or beef stock, followed by the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
Finally, whisk in the cream and bring the sauce to a slow boil. Add the meatballs back to the pan and simmer for 4-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are coated. Serve with mashed potatoes or tagliatelle, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of lemon-enhanced olive oil.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!
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Serving suggestions for Swedish meatballs with mushrooms
Swedish meatballs with mushrooms are a delicious and comforting meal. While adding mushrooms to the sauce is not traditional, it is a tasty way to increase your vegetable intake. Here are some serving suggestions for Swedish meatballs with mushrooms:
Mashed Potatoes or Tagliatelle
A common pairing for Swedish meatballs with mushrooms is fluffy mashed potatoes. The creamy sauce and mushrooms go well with the fluffy texture of the potatoes. Alternatively, you can serve the meatballs and mushrooms with tagliatelle pasta. The long, flat noodles provide a hearty base for the meatballs and sauce.
Meatball Subs, Paninis, or Bánh Mì
For a more casual dining experience, you can serve Swedish meatballs with mushrooms as a sandwich filling. Try making meatball subs or paninis for a hearty lunch or dinner. For an exotic twist, you can also use the meatballs and mushrooms as a filling for a Bánh mì, combining Swedish flavours with Vietnamese-inspired ingredients.
Spaghetti and Meatballs, Pizza, or Appetizers
Swedish meatballs with mushrooms can also be served with spaghetti for a classic comfort food combination. Alternatively, get creative and use the meatballs as a topping for pizza. The mushrooms and sauce will add a unique flavour to your pizza creation. The meatballs can also be served as appetizers or party snacks, either on toothpicks or with toothpicks inserted.
Vegetarian or Vegan Options
For vegetarian or vegan options, you can replace the meatballs with sautéed whole mushrooms. This meat-free alternative still captures the flavour and richness of Swedish meatballs while being completely vegetarian. You can also experiment with vegan ingredients like tempeh, flax meal, or almond flour to create plant-based Swedish meatballs with mushrooms.
Sides and Toppings
To enhance the flavour of your Swedish meatballs with mushrooms, consider adding sides and toppings. Lingonberries, for example, can add a burst of flavour. A drizzle of lemon-enhanced olive oil or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can also elevate your dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Swedish meatballs can have mushrooms. While it is not traditional to add mushrooms to the meatballs, they are often served with a mushroom gravy or cream sauce.
Swedish meatballs are typically made with ground beef and/or pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, allspice, white pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Swedish meatballs are often served with mashed or boiled potatoes, rice, buttered egg noodles, or lingonberry jam. They can also be served as a sandwich, such as a meatball sub or panini.
Yes, there are vegetarian options for Swedish meatballs. Mushrooms can be used as a meat substitute, or you can use tempeh or other vegetarian meat alternatives.
