Decadent Swedish Cream Sauce
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of this Decadent Swedish Cream Sauce, known as Gräddsås. Perfectly crafted to complement traditional Swedish Meatballs or savory hamburger steaks with onions (Pannbiff Med Lök), this sauce harmonizes the flavors of butter, cream, and umami from soy sauce and beef bouillon. Enjoy the creamy texture and the subtle sweetness from sautéed vegetables that add depth, making every bite of your dish unforgettable.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
heavy cream
1 1/4 cups (none)
shallot
1 (peeled and diced)
carrot
1 (peeled and diced)
soy sauce
3 teaspoons (none)
beef bouillon
1 teaspoon (or 1 beef bouillon cube)
butter
1 tablespoon (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and dicing the shallot and carrot into small, uniform pieces.
2
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy but not browned.
3
Add the diced shallot and carrot to the pan, sautéing them gently. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
4
Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the soy sauce and beef bouillon. Season with fresh ground pepper.
5
Whisk the mixture continuously over medium-low heat until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5-10 minutes. Be careful not to bring it to a boil to prevent curdling.
6
Once thickened, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the vegetable solids. This will give you a silky-smooth sauce.
7
Taste the cream sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce or ground pepper if desired.
8
Serve warm over classic Swedish meatballs or onion-topped hamburger steaks, with a side of potatoes for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Swedish Cream Sauce?
Decadent Swedish Cream Sauce, also known as Gräddsås, is a rich and velvety sauce commonly served with traditional Swedish Meatballs or savory hamburger steaks.
What does the name Gräddsås mean?
Gräddsås is the Swedish word for cream sauce, reflecting its primary ingredient of heavy cream.
Which dishes pair best with this sauce?
This sauce is perfect for Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar) and Pannbiff Med Lök (hamburger steaks with onions).
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include heavy cream, shallot, carrot, soy sauce, beef bouillon, butter, and fresh ground pepper.
How should I prepare the shallot and carrot?
Both the shallot and carrot should be peeled and diced into small, uniform pieces before cooking.
How much heavy cream is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream.
What is the purpose of the butter in this recipe?
One tablespoon of butter is used to sauté the vegetables and add a rich base flavor to the sauce.
Can I use a beef bouillon cube instead of liquid bouillon?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of liquid beef bouillon or 1 beef bouillon cube.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
The diced shallot and carrot should be sautéed for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
Why shouldn't I bring the sauce to a boil?
It is important not to boil the sauce to prevent the heavy cream from curdling.
How do I achieve a silky-smooth texture?
Once the sauce has thickened, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the vegetable solids.
What provides the umami flavor in this sauce?
The combination of soy sauce and beef bouillon provides a deep umami flavor profile.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
The sauce typically takes between 5 to 10 minutes of continuous whisking over medium-low heat to thicken.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, you should taste the finished sauce and adjust the soy sauce or ground pepper to your preference.
What is Pannbiff Med Lök?
Pannbiff Med Lök is a traditional Swedish dish consisting of savory hamburger steaks topped with sautéed onions.
What equipment do I need to make the sauce?
You will need a medium-sized saucepan, a whisk, and a fine-mesh sieve.
Should the butter be browned before adding vegetables?
No, melt the butter until it is foamy but not browned before adding the shallots and carrots.
What kind of side dish is recommended?
A side of potatoes, such as boiled or mashed, is highly recommended to complete the meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 7 distinct ingredients in this recipe.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is suitable for home cooks of all levels.
What should I do with the vegetable solids after straining?
The vegetable solids should be discarded after straining to ensure the sauce remains smooth.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe uses 3 teaspoons of soy sauce.
Is fresh ground pepper necessary?
Fresh ground pepper is recommended to taste for the best flavor profile.
Can this sauce be served warm?
Yes, the sauce should be served warm immediately over your choice of meat.
What is the role of the carrot in this sauce?
The carrot adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor during the sautéing process.
Is this recipe categorized as comfort food?
Yes, due to its creamy texture and rich flavor, it is classified as comfort food.
What heat setting should I use for thickening?
Use a medium-low heat setting and whisk continuously to ensure even thickening without burning.
Can I store leftovers of this sauce?
While best fresh, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, though care must be taken when reheating to prevent separation.
Does this sauce contain any fiber?
The nutritional data for fiber is not specified, but the straining process removes most vegetable fiber from the final sauce.