SWEDISH MEATBALLS

IKEA SWEDISH MEATBALL FEAST

IKEA released their recipe for Swedish meatballs with their classic creamy vegetarian gravy. No doubt you've had it before. It's usually served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry sauce and green beans. But you can change it up with any type of potato or veggie. And the perfect substitute for lingonberry? Use our Elderberry dark balsamic for a bit of sweet fruity taste in every bite. This meal is a wonderful way to find comfort, cozy and loving cooking. As the Swedes say "smaklig måltid" aka "bon appétit".

ELDERBERRY DARK BALSAMIC (WONDERFUL SUBSTITUTE FOR SWEDISH LINGONBERRY)

OLIVE OIL MASHED POTATOES

MASHED POTATOES

GARLICKY LEMONY GREEN BEANS

GREEN BEANS

IKEA'S SWEDISH MEATBALL DINNER

INGREDIENTS (MEATBALLS):
1 lb ground lean beef (not extra lean) 
1/2 lb lean ground pork (not extra lean)
1 medium onion, peeled, trimmed and finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/2 cup Panko or plain fine bread crumbs
1 large egg
1/3 cup whole milk (or 1/4 cup 2% milk with 2 tbsp heavy cream) 
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
1 tsp Kosher salt, or more to taste

INGREDIENTS (SAUCE):
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp butter (or Butter olive oil)
3 tbsp all purpose flour
2/3 cup vegetable stock
2/3 cup beef stock
2/3 cup heavy cream
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard

DIRECTIONS (MEATBALLS): 
By hand, mix beef and pork in medium bowl. Add onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg and combine until completely smooth and blended. Add milk, salt and pepper. Mix again. Roll into small 1-1/2" meatballs. Place on rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in fridge for two hours. Heat olive oil in skillet on medium heat. Add meatballs in batches so that there's room for movement in the skillet to brown on all sides. Return meatballs to parchment lined rimmed baking sheet. Cover with sheet of tented foil. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes. Test for doneness during the roasting process.

DIRECTIONS (SAUCE/GRAVY):

Melt butter on medium or heat same of Butter olive oil in sauce pan. Whisk in flour and stir for a couple of minutes until combined. Add stocks and whisk continuously until blended. When heated add cream, soy sauce and mustard. Simmer until sauce thickens. Drizzle over meatballs with more on the side for mashed potatoes. 

DIRECTIONS (ELDERBERRY SAUCE):

On medium-low heat, place 1 cup Elderberry dark balsamic. Cook until reduced by half.