Dine Creatively!

Susan

I have never thought of myself as Swedish, but have been making these meatballs for decades. It's not an old family recipe, as I am not aware of any Swedish relatives. It's just one I developed years ago.

However, Ancestry recently told me that I am actually 7% Swedish, with DNA from both my parents. I expect it arises from Vikings traveling through Europe, leaving bits of their genes wherever they conquered. Regardless, the ancestry info does give this recipe a bit of genetic authenticity!

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
 

1/4 cup whole milk

4 tablespoons butter, divided (the amount will vary depending on the fat content of the meat)

1/2 large yellow onion, grated 

1 large egg

1 1/4 pounds ground beef

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

For the sauce:

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

2 cups beef stock

1/4 cup full-fat sour cream 

2 tablespoons lingonberry or red currant jelly 

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Soak the rye bread in the milk until soft.

Saute the grated onion in 1 Tablespoon butter until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Let cool

Combine the soaked bread, onions, egg, beef, and spices until thoroughly mixed.

Form meatballs a little less than 1 inch in diameter.

Brown the meatballs, in batches if necessary, in the remaining butter, and set aside.

Add butter to the frying pan until the fat in the pan is about 3 tablespoons, scraping up the beef bits as it melts. The amount you’ll need will vary depending on how fatty the meat was - in some cases you may not need any.  

Add the flour and saute for 1 minute to blend. 

Add the stock and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Reduce heat to medium, and continue stirring until sauce has thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and jelly.  

Taste and add salt and pepper as desired.

Return meatballs to the pan with the sauce and heat through.

Serve over noodles or mashed potatoes

The measuring cup and grater included in Cestari's multitool will help when making the Swedish Meatballs this month.  Save 20% with code   SWEDISHMTBL through March12 at the Cestari store on Amazon

• Harper from New Orleans writes, "Dive into National Flour Month by hosting a blind baking challenge with friends. Think 'Great British Bake Off' in your kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to discover new recipes and laugh over the flops!"

  Luca from Denver suggests, "Get creative on National Frozen Food Day by using frozen fruits in unexpected ways. Ever tried grilling frozen peaches or blending frozen avocados into smoothies? Game-changer for flavor and convenience!"

  Avery from Brooklyn shares, "For National Peanut Butter Lover's Day, why not host a peanut butter tasting party? Include exotic flavors and brands. It’s like wine tasting, but for peanut butter enthusiasts!"

  Riley from Portland offers, "Transform National Potato Chip Day by making chips from sweet potatoes. Add quirky seasonings like truffle salt or smoked paprika for a gourmet twist on a crunchy classic."

  Jordan from Las Vegas advises, "Celebrate National Water Day by crafting signature infused waters. Experiment with combinations like cucumber-lavender or basil-lime. It’s a chic, refreshing way to stay hydrated and impress your guests."

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