Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 2 oz (about 1 cup) fresh crustless bread crumbs*
• 1/4 tsp each nutmeg, allspice, cardamom
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 1/2 Tbsp butter, divided
• 2/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion (1/2 medium)
• 1 tsp minced garlic (1 clove)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large egg yolks
• 3/4 lb 85% lean ground beef
• 3/4 lb ground pork

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper. Pour in milk and toss with a fork. Let it rest while sautéing onions.
3. Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until softened and slightly golden brown, about 6 minutes, adding garlic during the last 30 seconds.
4. Add beef and pork to the bread crumb mixture along with egg yolks and onion mixture. Gently toss to evenly distribute ingredients.
5. Scoop the mixture out 1 oz at a time and shape into balls. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly apart.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through (center should register 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer), about 18 – 22 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, in the same skillet used to sauté onions, melt the remaining 3 1/2 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook and whisk until golden brown, about 2 – 3 minutes.
8. While whisking, slowly pour in broth and cream. Add Worcestershire sauce, season with salt, and pepper to taste.
9. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. For a thicker consistency, simmer over low heat for a few minutes.
10. Add the meatballs to the warm sauce and serve.

Optional: Garnish with minced fresh parsley.

Conclusion:

Serve the Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce over a bed of buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or lingonberry sauce for an authentic touch. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Whether enjoyed as a family dinner or presented at a festive gathering, this Swedish classic promises to transport your taste buds to a realm of savory perfection. Each forkful of tender meatballs bathed in the velvety creaminess of the sauce is a testament to the comforting and satisfying nature of this beloved dish.