Frequently Asked Questions
What are Homestyle Swedish Meatballs?
They are a savory blend of beef and pork meatballs served in a rich, creamy sauce, inspired by a recipe shared by IKEA.
What meats are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 500g of ground beef and 250g of ground pork.
Why is a mix of beef and pork used?
Combining beef and pork creates a balanced flavor and tender texture that is traditional for Swedish meatballs.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped before being mixed with the meat.
What is the purpose of breadcrumbs?
Breadcrumbs act as a binder to help the meatballs maintain their structure and retain moisture.
Why is an egg added to the meat mixture?
The egg serves as a binding agent to hold the meat and other ingredients together.
How much milk is needed?
The recipe requires 5 tablespoons of whole milk.
How long should the meatballs be refrigerated?
They should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours before cooking.
Why is refrigeration necessary?
Refrigerating the meatballs helps them hold their round shape better during the browning process.
What size should I make the meatballs?
Shape the mixture into small, round meatballs roughly the size of a golf ball.
How do I brown the meatballs?
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides in batches.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius, or 160 degrees Celsius if using a convection oven.
How long do the meatballs bake?
The meatballs should bake in an ovenproof dish for 30 minutes.
Should the meatballs be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the ovenproof dish with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
How do I start the creamy sauce?
Melt 40g of butter in a saucepan and whisk in 40g of flour for 2 minutes to form a roux.
What stocks are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 150ml of vegetable stock and 150ml of beef stock.
What type of cream is best?
The recipe specifies 150ml of thick double cream for a rich, velvety sauce.
Why is soy sauce included in the sauce recipe?
Soy sauce adds a savory umami depth to the creamy gravy.
What does Dijon mustard add to the dish?
Dijon mustard provides a slight tanginess that complements the rich cream and savory meats.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer the sauce while stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired thickness.
What are the traditional side dishes?
Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with boiled or mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.
Is this an official IKEA recipe?
It is a slightly adapted version of the recipe originally shared by IKEA during the pandemic.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 415 calories per serving according to the nutritional data.
What is the fat content?
One serving contains about 28g of fat.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving provides 18g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 23g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use minced garlic?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1 clove of garlic, either crushed or minced.
When do I season the meat?
Season the meat with salt and pepper after adding the milk and before shaping the balls.
How much butter is needed for the roux?
You will need 40g of unsalted butter.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 17 ingredients in total for this Swedish meatball recipe.