IKEA Releases Its Famous Swedish Meatball Recipe So You Can Make Them At Home

Do you know what we miss about life before lockdown? IKEA.

Never again will we take for granted browsing its aisles for home decor inspo, buying plants, jars, and knick knacks we really don't need and - of course - the oh, so iconic meatballs.

IKEA stores first opened in 1943, but its Swedish meatballs (founded 42 years later) have gradually become the most cult part of the whole experience - so much so that it even threw a meatball laden Christmas dinner this year that guests could attend.

And guess what? Now you can make them yourself at home, as - in the absence of IKEA trips - the store has released its top secret recipe to make everyone's isolation a little bit tastier. Yaaas!

Wikimedia)

The best part is the recipe has just six steps, and you only need eight ingredients to make the meatballs (plus another eight if you're going to attempt the Swedish cream sauce).

Laying out the recipe like a flatpack furniture guide, IKEA has illustrated each step of the cooking process to help us along the way.

(Although, we're hoping it's a little easier than trying to put one of their shelves together...)

The recipe makes between 16 and 20 meatballs, which is enough to serve four people.

Here it is below, so you can try it for yourselves:

IKEA)

INGREDIENTS - MEATBALLS

• 500g beef mince
• 250g pork mince
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic (crushed or minced)
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 5 tablespoons of whole milk
• salt and pepper to taste

INGREDIENTS - ICONIC SWEDISH CREAM SAUCE

• dash of oil
• 40g butter
• 40g plain flour
• 150ml vegetable stock
• 150ml beef stock
• 150ml thick double cream
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

IKEA)

METHOD

Meatballs

1. Combine beef and pork mince and mix thoroughly to break up any lumps. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg and mix. Add milk and season well with salt and pepper.
2. Shape mixture into small, round balls. Place on a clean plate, cover and store in the fridge for two hours (to help them hold their shape whilst cooking).
3. In a frying pan, heat oil on medium heat. When hot, gently add your meatballs and brown on all sides.
4. When browned, add to an ovenproof dish and cover. Place in a hot oven (180°C or 160°C fan) and cook for a further 30 minutes.

Swedish cream sauce

1. In frying pan, melt 40g of butter. Whisk in 40g of plain and continue cooking, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook through. Add 150ml of vegetable stock and 150ml of beef stock and continue to stir. Add 150ml thick double cream, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer and allow the sauce to thicken. Continue to stir.
2. When ready to eat, serve with your favourite potatoes - either creamy mash or mini new boiled potatoes.

We know what we're having for dinner!

Topics: Cooking, Tasty Food, Coronavirus, IKEA, Tasty

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

@joannafreedman