TIME/LIFE SWEDISH MEATBALLS

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Time/Life Swedish Meatballs image

According to the 1968 Time/Life book, Foods of the World: The Cooking of Scandinavia, this recipe makes true Swedish meatballs. The proper name is Sma Kottbullar.

Provided by Lennie

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 2h30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon butter
4 tablespoons finely chopped onions
1 large boiled potato, , mashed to make 1 cup
3 tablespoons fine dry breadcrumbs
1 lb lean ground beef
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon flour
3/4 cup light cream or 3/4 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • In a small frying pan, melt the tbsp of butter over med heat; when foam subsides, add onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent but not brown.
  • In a large bowl, combine the onions, mashed potato, bread crumbs, meat, cream, salt, egg and parsley; knead vigorously with both hands or beat with a wooden spoon until all of the ingredients are well blended and the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
  • Shape into small balls about one inch in diameter.
  • Arrange meatballs in one layer on a baking sheet or flat tray, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour before cooking.
  • Over high heat, in a large heavy skillet, melt the 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp oil; when the foam subsides, add the meatballs, 8 to 10 at a time.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and fry balls on all sides, shaking pan almost constantly to roll the balls around in the hot fat to help keep their shape.
  • In 8 to 10 minutes the meatballs should be brown outside and show no trace of pink inside when one is broken open with a knife.
  • Add more butter and oil as needed to the skillet as you fry each batch, and transfer finished meatballs to a casserole dish and keep warm in a 200F oven.
  • If you want to make a sauce, the book recommends making one with the pan juices; here's how.
  • Remove pan from heat and pour off all fat; stir in 1 tbsp of flour.
  • Quickly stir in 3/4 cup of light or heavy cream and boil the sauce over medium heat for 2 or 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it is thick and smooth.
  • Pour over meatballs and serve with noodles or potatoes.

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