Recipe
Meatballs (Köttbullar):
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/​3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/​4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/​2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/​4 teaspoon ground allspice
- Butter or oil for frying
Mashed Potatoes (Potatismos):
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/​2 cup milk, warmed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lingonberry Sauce:
- 1 cup lingonberry jam
Instructions:
- Combine breadcrumbs and milk, let soak. Mix meats, onion, egg, spices, and breadcrumb mixture. Form into meatballs.
- Fry meatballs in butter or oil until browned and cooked through.
- Boil potatoes until tender, mash with butter, milk, and seasoning.
- Warm lingonberry jam to create a sauce.
- Serve meatballs with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce.
Culture and History
The dish known as Swedish meatballs, or köttbullar, has become a staple in Swedish kitchens. While meatballs are common worldwide, the Swedish variety became internationally recognized, partly due to a famous blue-and-yellow furniture store.
The Swedish meatball’s roots date back to the 18th century, showing the influence of King Charles XII’s exposure to Turkish cuisine. It has evolved into a national dish, often served during special occasions and family gatherings. It symbolizes home cooking and can be found in street markets in Stockholm as well as upscale restaurants.
In Sweden, the price of this read varies. At a casual restaurant, it might cost between 75 to 125 SEK, equivalent to about 8 to 13 USD—a small price for a dish with such a rich heritage.
Swedish meatballs are traditionally made with a mix of pork and beef, seasoned with onion and spices, and fried until perfect. They’re usually served with creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. The lingonberry, similar to the cranberry, grows wild in Swedish forests and is a staple in their cuisine.
Whether eating in a Swedish home or at an Ikea store, the experience is the same: a comforting, hearty meal that’s simple yet satisfying. So go ahead and try it. You might find yourself embracing the Swedish concept of ‘lagom’ – the right amount – in life, starting with köttbullar med lingon och potatismos.
