**Swedish Meatballs with a Creamy Sauce (Without Heavy Cream)**
Swedish meatballs, referred to as “köttbullar” in Sweden, are a cherished dish that has achieved worldwide recognition for their comforting flavor and luxurious, creamy sauce. Typically accompanied by lingonberry jam and potatoes, these meatballs are a fundamental part of Swedish gastronomy. Although the traditional recipe usually includes heavy cream for the sauce, there are multiple alternatives to achieve a similar creamy consistency and flavor without it. Here’s how to relish Swedish meatballs with a creamy sauce, without heavy cream.
**Ingredients for Swedish Meatballs:**
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup milk (or a non-dairy option)
– 1 egg
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 tablespoons butter or oil for cooking
**Ingredients for Creamy Sauce:**
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup milk (or a non-dairy option)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Meatballs:**
– In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Allow them to soak for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs become soft.
– Incorporate the ground beef, ground pork, egg, diced onion, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg into the breadcrumb mixture. Combine thoroughly.
– Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in size.
2. **Cook the Meatballs:**
– In a large skillet, warm the butter or oil over medium heat. Introduce the meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
– Cook the meatballs until they are golden brown on all sides and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Take them out of the skillet and set aside.
3. **Make the Creamy Sauce:**
– In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
– Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it forms a paste and acquires a golden color.
– Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring to eliminate any lumps.
– Incorporate the milk, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
– Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Combine and Serve:**
– Place the meatballs back into the skillet, coating them with the creamy sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to warm through.
– Serve the Swedish meatballs alongside mashed potatoes or egg noodles, with a side of lingonberry jam for an authentic experience.
**Tips for a Creamy Sauce Without Heavy Cream:**
– **Milk and Flour:** Employing milk mixed with a roux (butter and flour blend) can effectively thicken the sauce without needing heavy cream.
– **Non-Dairy Alternatives:** For a dairy-free option, replace milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Each provides a slightly different taste, so select according to your flavor preference.
– **Soy Sauce and Mustard:** These components enhance depth and umami in the sauce, offsetting the richness usually given by heavy cream.
By adhering to this recipe, you can savor the authentic flavor of Swedish meatballs with a creamy sauce that is both delectable and lighter on dairy. Whether for a family meal or a special event, this dish is bound to please.