Even people who don't know much about Swedish food will probably at least have heard of, or tried, the great dish that is Swedish meatballs – especially since Ikea took over the world (I've been told they sell loads of these in their cafeterias). Paired with mash and warm lingon berry sauce, they make a perfect meal: tasty, comforting, with a hint of sweetness.
For the meatballs:
• a handful of mixed fresh herbs, such as dill, flat-leaf parsley or chives, roughly chopped
• 600g minced beef, or you may try 300g of beef and 300g of lamb
• 1 large egg
• 100ml milk
• 75g dried breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• olive oil
For the sauce
• juice of ½ a lemon
• 300ml beef stock, (if using a stock cube, ½ is enough)
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 60ml double cream
• 1 x 200g jar of lingon berry, cranberry, blackberry or blackcurrant jam, to serve
Methods:
1) Set aside a few of the herbs, then put the rest into a large bowl with the beef, egg, milk, breadcrumbs and allspice.
2) Add a good pinch of salt and pepper,
3) Then scrunch and mix it well.
4) Wet your hands and roll little balls. Keep wetting your hands as you go so you get nice round elegant meatballs
5) Fry in your largest pan. Fry gently for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing occasionally, until they are golden brown.
6) Transfer the meatballs to a large plate.
7) Spoon away any excess fat from the pan, then add the lemon juice, a splash of stock, the flour, the cream, a heaped tablespoon of lingon berry or berry jam and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
8) Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and reduce until you have a nice consistency that will cling to the meatballs
9) Return the meatballs to the pan and move them around so they get coated in the sauce.
10) They'll go brilliantly next to mashed or crispy potatoes.
