Discover the IKEA magic: Swedish meatballs made easy

Meatballs at IKEA are much more than just a dish served while shopping. Their unique taste and ease of preparation have made them a cult favorite among many visitors. The store offers classic meatballs made from beef and pork and alternative versions to satisfy diverse tastes. The famous "köttbullar" are juicy balls soaked in a delicious sauce everyone enjoys, regardless of age.

You don't have to visit a furniture store to enjoy Swedish meatballs. A simple recipe allows you to prepare these treats in your own kitchen. There are various options, from standard meatballs to vegan alternatives. Most recipes are based on beef mixed with a bit of pork, spices, and cream sauce. An essential element is also the addition of lingonberry jam, which gives the dish its characteristic flavor.

Ingredients for meatballs:

• 1.1 lbs of ground beef
• 0.7 lbs of ground pork
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Less than a cup of breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoons of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Ingredients for the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 4 tablespoons of wheat flour
• 2/3 cup of beef broth
• 2/3 cup of vegetable broth
• 2/3 cup of heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard

Preparation:

1. Finely chop the onion and press the garlic.
2. In a large bowl, combine the beef and pork, add the onion, garlic, milk, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
3. Form small balls from the mixture. Arrange them on a large plate and refrigerate for about 2 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 340°F, using the top-bottom mode. Place the meatballs in an ovenproof dish and bake for 30 minutes. Once cooled, set aside.
5. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan, then add the flour. Fry for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
6. Add the beef and vegetable broths, soy sauce, mustard, and cream to the pan. Cook until thickened.
7. Serve the meatballs topped with cream sauce, mashed potatoes, peas, and lingonberry or cranberry jam.

With these tips, you can prepare delicious and juicy meatballs at home, reminiscent of those from the popular chain.