National Dish Of Sweden

Kottbullar

  • 19 Ingredients
  • 75 Minutes*
  • 450 Calories**
Kottbullar - The national dish of Sweden

A Little History...

Sweden's national dish is "Köttbullar," more commonly known as Swedish meatballs. These meatballs are a quintessential part of Swedish cuisine and have gained international fame. Köttbullar are small, round meatballs traditionally made from a mixture of ground beef and pork, although some recipes use ground veal, chicken, or turkey. The meat is blended with ingredients like finely chopped onions, breadcrumbs or soaked bread, and milk, along with seasonings such as salt, pepper, and sometimes, allspice or nutmeg. Read More...

The meatballs are typically fried in butter, giving them a brown and slightly crispy exterior, while keeping the inside tender and juicy. They are often served with creamy gravy, boiled or mashed potatoes, and a traditional Swedish lingonberry jam. This combination of savory meatballs, rich gravy, and the sweet-tartness of the lingonberry jam creates a distinctive and beloved flavor profile.

Swedish meatballs have become a symbol of Swedish home cooking and are a staple in Swedish households. They’re also popular internationally,

The history of Swedish meatballs, known as “Köttbullar” in Sweden, is quite interesting and reflects a blend of culinary influences.

Early References: The earliest known references to meatballs in Sweden date back to the early 18th century. However, the concept of grinding meat and forming it into balls or patties is much older and can be found in various cultures.

International Influence: The introduction of meatballs in Swedish cuisine is often attributed to King Charles XII of Sweden. In the early 18th century, Charles XII led military campaigns into Eastern Europe and the Ottoman Empire, where he spent several years in exile. During this time, it’s believed that he was exposed to local cuisines, including dishes similar to meatballs.

Return to Sweden: When Charles XII returned to Sweden in the early 18th century, he brought with him numerous cultural influences, including a fondness for Turkish food. It’s thought that the Swedish adaptation of meatballs was influenced by this exposure to Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly the Turkish dish “köfte.”

Evolution in Swedish Cuisine: Over time, Swedish meatballs evolved to use local ingredients and suit local tastes. Traditional Swedish meatballs are typically made with a mixture of ground pork and beef, and they are smaller than meatballs found in other cuisines. The recipe was adapted to the Swedish climate and agricultural practices, making it a distinct dish in its own right.

Cultural Significance: Swedish meatballs became a staple of Swedish cuisine and an important part of Swedish cultural identity. They are traditionally served with mashed potatoes, creamy gravy, and lingonberry jam—a combination that embodies the sweet and savory flavors of Swedish cooking.

Global Popularity: In the modern era, Swedish meatballs have gained international fame, partly due to the global expansion of the Swedish furniture store IKEA. With IKEA restaurants serving Swedish meatballs around the world, they have become a symbol of Swedish culinary tradition globally.

Thus, Swedish meatballs, while deeply rooted in Swedish culture, reflect a blend of culinary traditions and historical influences, evolving over time into the beloved dish known today.

Delicious Ingredients...

Make it at Home...

Recipe Variations

Step 1

Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

  • Soak the breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes until absorbed.
  • Mix the ground beef, pork, soaked breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and allspice in a bowl. Combine well.
  • With dampened hands, form the mixture into small, round balls, about the size of a golf ball.

Step 2

Cook the Meatballs:

  • In a frying pan, heat some butter or oil over medium heat.
  • Fry the meatballs in batches, turning them frequently, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 10 minutes per batch. Set aside when done.

Step 3

Make the Gravy:

  • In the same pan, add more butter and stir in the flour to create a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream. Add soy sauce and Dijon mustard, if using.
  • Cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Combine and Serve:

  • Add the cooked meatballs to the gravy and simmer for a few more minutes.
  • Serve the meatballs and gravy with mashed or boiled potatoes and a side of lingonberry jam.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley.

Step 5

Tips:

  • The combination of beef and pork gives the meatballs a richer flavor, but you can use only beef if preferred.
  • Lingonberry jam is a traditional accompaniment to Swedish meatballs, offering a sweet counterbalance to the savory dish.
  • Allowing the meatball mixture to rest for a while in the fridge can make it easier to handle and form the meatballs.

Enjoy your homemade Swedish Meatballs, a comforting and flavorful dish that’s a staple of Swedish cuisine!

Prepration Time*

Preparing and cooking Swedish Meatballs typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. This process begins with mixing the meatball ingredients, which takes around 15-20 minutes, including the time to soak the breadcrumbs and form the meatballs. Cooking the meatballs in batches usually requires about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the pan and the number of meatballs. The gravy, made in the same pan, takes an additional 10-15 minutes to prepare, including the time to make the roux and allow the gravy to thicken. If mashed potatoes are served as a side, this can be prepared concurrently with the meatballs, potentially extending the total cooking time slightly. Overall, the dish is moderately time-consuming, with much of the effort focused on forming and frying the meatballs to achieve the right texture and flavor.

Calories**

A typical serving of Swedish Meatballs, including the meatballs and creamy gravy, contains approximately 400-500 calories. This estimate is based on a serving size of about four to six meatballs with gravy. The calorie content primarily comes from the ground beef and pork used in the meatballs, contributing significant amounts of protein and fat. The creamy gravy, made with butter, flour, and heavy cream, adds additional calories and fat to the dish. The inclusion of side dishes like mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam will increase the overall calorie count of the meal. While Swedish Meatballs are a rich and satisfying dish, they are also calorie-dense, mainly due to the meats and the creamy gravy.

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All Comments....

The preparation time of Pelmeni can vary depending on the recipe & the skill level of the cook. Generally, it takes about 1-2 hours to prepare the Pelmeni dough & filling, and another 20-30 minutes to shape the dumplings & cook them.
Comment By: Wael Wafik - June, 17, 2023
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The preparation time of Pelmeni can vary depending on the recipe & the skill level of the cook. Generally, it takes about 1-2 hours to prepare the Pelmeni dough & filling, and another 20-30 minutes to shape the dumplings & cook them.
Comment By: Wael Wafik - June, 17, 2023
The preparation time of Pelmeni can vary depending on the recipe & the skill level of the cook. Generally, it takes about 1-2 hours to prepare the Pelmeni dough & filling, and another 20-30 minutes to shape the dumplings & cook them.
Comment By: Wael Wafik - June, 17, 2023
The preparation time of Pelmeni can vary depending on the recipe & the skill level of the cook. Generally, it takes about 1-2 hours to prepare the Pelmeni dough & filling, and another 20-30 minutes to shape the dumplings & cook them.
Comment By: Wael Wafik - June, 17, 2023