Recipe: (Ikea) Swedish Meatballs

One of the many reasons I wanted to go to Ikea was to try their famous Swedish meatballs. And just like the awesome store, the food did not disappoint. Thankfully, I do not need to drive two and a half hours to the nearest Ikea store every time I have a craving for these because this homemade version is very close to the real deal. The meat is flavorful and sauce is creamy and meaty in flavor. And the allspice? Well, that's the ingredient that just keeps you wondering. It gives the meatballs a distinct but mild unique flavor.

My husband and I cooked this together while the little one napped and it made me nostalgic for our pre-bebe days. Barely any space in our littlest kitchen but drunk on newlywed bliss.

Adapted from Skinny Taste

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalk, finely minced
• 1/4 cup parsley, minced
• 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups beef stock
• 3 oz cream cheese

Directions:

In a large sauce pan, heat oil on medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until onions are translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add celery and parsley; cook for about 3-4 more minutes. Let cool for a few minutes.

In a large bowl, combine beef, egg, onion mixture, breadcrumbs, allspice, salt and pepper. Mix well and form meatballs about 1/8 cup each.

Add beef stock to the large sauce pan and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly drop meatballs in the broth. Cover and cook until done, about 20 minutes. Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add cream cheese and blend the sauce with a hand blender until smooth. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Pour over meatballs. Garnish with parsley and serve with your favorite noodles.