Swedish Meatballs in a Rich Sauce Without Heavy Cream
### Swedish Meatballs in a Creamy Sauce Without Heavy Cream
Swedish meatballs, known as “köttbullar,” are a cherished dish renowned worldwide for their savory taste and satisfying texture. Typically served with a luxurious, creamy sauce, these meatballs can be made lighter while still being incredibly tasty by omitting heavy cream. This article presents a recipe for Swedish meatballs in a creamy sauce that uses healthier substitutions for heavy cream while preserving the dish’s distinctive flavor.
#### Ingredients
**For the Meatballs:**
– 1 pound ground beef (or a blend of beef and pork)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (ideally whole wheat)
– 1/4 cup finely diced onion
– 1/4 cup milk (or a plant-based alternative)
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
**For the Creamy Sauce:**
– 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free option)
– 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or a non-dairy yogurt)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
#### Instructions
**1. Prepare the Meatballs:**
– In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, diced onion, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and parsley until just blended, being cautious not to overmix the meat.
– Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
**2. Cook the Meatballs:**
– In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned all over. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
**3. Make the Creamy Sauce:**
– In the same skillet, add the remaining butter or oil. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to make a roux.
– Gradually whisk in the beef broth to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
– Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
**4. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:**
– Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, gently coating them in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the meatballs to heat through.
**5. Serve:**
– Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, topped with fresh parsley. They pair excellently with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a side of lingonberry sauce for an authentic touch.
#### Nutritional Benefits
By replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt, this recipe not only lowers the calorie content but also incorporates protein and probiotics, supporting digestive health. Using lean ground meat and whole wheat breadcrumbs further improves the nutritional value, making this dish a healthier choice without compromising flavor.
#### Conclusion
Swedish meatballs in a creamy sauce can be savored without the heaviness commonly found in traditional recipes. This lighter version preserves the classic tastes while providing a healthier alternative that is easy to whip up. Ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, these meatballs are guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Savor the comforting essence of Sweden with this delightful meal!
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