Swedish-inspired Spiced Meatballs with Lingonberry Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter, for frying 2 tablespoons butter, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. 3.
   Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
4. 4.
   Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Breadcrumbs — If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb option.
• Lingonberry sauce — If you can't find lingonberry sauce, you can substitute it with cranberry sauce or red currant jelly for a similar tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture as it can result in a tougher texture.
• For added flavor, you can sauté the onions before adding them to the meat mixture.
• To achieve a nice browning on the meatballs, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the butter and meatballs.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the lingonberry sauce.
• Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Serving advice

Serve the spiced meatballs with lingonberry sauce alongside creamy mashed potatoes or lingonberry jam. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the meatballs on a platter, drizzle the lingonberry sauce over them, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish presentation.