Description
Mouthwatering Swedish onion meatballs dance with rich, aromatic flavors that transport diners straight to Stockholm’s charming kitchens. Comfort meets culinary artistry in this classic dish where savory beef, delicate spices, and caramelized onions promise a memorable dining experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 large egg
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 medium onions, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Binding and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Gently caramelize finely chopped onions in olive oil over medium heat until they develop a rich golden-brown color, approximately 8-10 minutes. Allow the onions to cool completely.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground meat with the cooled caramelized onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, chopped parsley, and selected spices. Use a light touch to blend ingredients, avoiding overworking the mixture.
- Using clean hands, form the meat mixture into uniform round balls, each approximately 1 inch in diameter. Ensure consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Select your preferred cooking method:
Stovetop: Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place meatballs carefully, cooking 6-8 minutes and rotating periodically to achieve an even golden-brown exterior.
Oven: Preheat to 400°F. Arrange meatballs on a lightly greased baking sheet, ensuring space between each ball. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once midway through cooking.
- Serve hot alongside your favorite accompaniments such as pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or as a delectable appetizer with complementary dipping sauce.
Notes
- Customize the meat blend by mixing ground beef, pork, or turkey for varied flavor profiles and textures.
- Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, sweet undertones that enhance the overall meatball richness.
- Control moisture by using fresh breadcrumbs instead of dried, which helps maintain a tender and juicy interior.
- Make gluten-free versions by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumb alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg