Swedish meatballs, or köttbullar, are smaller and more delicately spiced than their IKEA-famous counterparts, often featuring a mix of beef and pork with allspice and nutmeg. Served with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumber—this is quintessential Swedish home cooking, especially popular during holidays.

Tender, flavorful, and sauced to perfection.

Ingredients (serves 4-6):

• 500g ground beef (or 250g beef + 250g pork)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 50g breadcrumbs
• 100ml milk or cream
• 1 egg
• Allspice, nutmeg, salt, white pepper
• Butter for frying
• Gravy: beef stock, cream, soy sauce, flour
• Sides: mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Soak breadcrumbs in milk.
2. Sauté onion until soft; cool.
3. Mix meat, onion, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, and spices.
4. Form small meatballs; chill 30 minutes.
5. Fry in butter until browned; remove.
6. Make gravy in pan: flour roux, stock, cream; simmer and season.
7. Return meatballs to gravy; warm gently.
8. Serve with potatoes and lingonberry jam.

Tips: Don’t overmix for tender texture; lingonberry jam adds essential sweet-tart balance.