Nothing Close to ‘Schweddy’ Balls

Sorry – I just love that skit from Saturday Night Live and now that Ben and Jerry’s is coming out with an ice cream – I just had to chuckle when posting this recipe --- because they are surely far from those kind of balls.

One of Hubby and I’s favorite meals is Swedish Meatballs. I sometimes stock up on the 98 cents microwave meals just to have on hand when the craving arises. Since I am on the track of wanting to really start getting more in the kitchen on a regular basis, I came across a recipe in The Food Network Magazine (Thank you Melinda – still one of my FAVORITE Mag Subscriptions ;), I also found the recipe on the Food Network Website – one of the best cooking sites!!

I hate to seem like I am boasting, but I AM! These balls turned out REALLY good! I made a little side of noodles, and some mash potatoes (< --- Instant tonight) --- Do you see a pattern with the taters? I LOVE THEM! Almost Famous Swedish Meatballs -- > It is supposed to be the knockoff of the ones they serve at IKEA!

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup minced white onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
( a pinch) Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound lean ground pork
1 large egg plus 1 egg white, beaten
Vegetable oil, for brushing

For the Gravy:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Lingonberry jam, for serving (optional)

Directions:

Make the Meatballs:

1) Put the breadcrumbs in a large bowl.
2) Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3) Add the onion, garlic, allspice, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes.
4) Add the milk and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer.
5) Pour the milk mixture over the breadcrumbs and stir to make a thick paste; let cool.
6) Add the beef, pork, egg and egg white to the bowl and mix until combined.
7) Brush a baking sheet with vegetable oil.
8) Roll the meat into 1-inch balls and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
9) Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
10) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
11) Bake the meatballs until cooked through, about 20 minutes.

Make the Gravy:

1) Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2) Add the flour and cook, whisking, until smooth.
3) Whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer.
4) Add the cream and meatballs.
5) Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the gravy thickens, about 10 minutes.
6) season with salt and black pepper.
7) Transfer to a serving dish;
8) sprinkle with the parsley and serve with lingonberry jam, if desired.


As for the mash potatoes I just used instant. For the noodles, I just used regular (Kroger Brand) egg noodles.

This turned out really good and was not at all hard to make and did not take a lot of time, so it would be perfect even after a day at work.

Enjoy!

XO Lyndie