Chef Jean-Pierre's Swedish Meatballs

This Swedish meatball recipe, with its tender meatballs, velvety gravy, and the perfect accompaniments, promises a meal that's not just nourishing, but also a heartwarming experience for the soul. Enjoy your culinary journey!

For the Meatballs

1.25 pounds Ground Beef (80/20)
1.25 pounds Ground Pork
1 Large Onion, sautéed and lightly caramelized
Salt and Freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 cup 125g Fresh Breadcrumbs (see recipe below)
2 tablespoons Garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon 2g Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon 2g Allspice
1 teaspoon 4g grated Nutmeg
2 Eggs
½ cup freshly chopped parsley
¼ cup Buttermilk

For the Gravy

1.5 ounces Butter, plus extra for finishing
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
2 cups Beef Stock homemade preferred (amount as needed)
¼ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste

For Serving

Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli Florets, sautéed
Cranberry Sauce (as a substitute for traditional lingonberry sauce)

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onion, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, fresh breadcrumbs, garlic, cayenne pepper, allspice, and nutmeg, eggs and half of the buttermilk to the mixture.
Mix well If the mixture feels too dry, gradually add more buttermilk until you reach the desired consistency.
Using an ice cream scoop for consistency, form the mixture into meatballs. Arrange the meatballs on a tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes to firm up.

Preheated Oven to 375°F (190°C)

In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Sauté the meatballs in batches, just until they're nicely browned on all sides. Do not crowd the pan.
Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking sheet and finish cooking in a preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 145°F-155°F (63°C-68°C), about 15-20 minutes.

Prepare the Gravy

In a Reduction Sauce Pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, stirring continuously, to form a roux.
Gradually add the beef stock, stirring continuously, until you reach your desired gravy consistency.
Add a splash of heavy whipping cream, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. until the gravy is smooth and thickened.
For a luxurious finish, whisk in a little extra butter off the heat.

Serving

Arrange the meatballs on a plate with creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed broccoli florets.
Spoon the gravy over the meatballs and mashed potatoes. Add a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side.
Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
This Swedish meatball recipe, with its tender meatballs, velvety gravy, and the perfect accompaniments, promises a meal that's not just nourishing, but also a heartwarming experience for the soul. Enjoy your culinary journey!