Homemade Swedish Meatballs, Comfort Food At Its Best

It’s getting cold outside, jackets are coming out, boots are ready

This is the time of year that just screams for comfort foods. Stick to your ribs, warm you on-the-inside, fill the house with delicious smells, kind of comfort food. I try to cook home-cooked meals as much as possible, but Fall just brings out the chef in me. Cooking at home is a great way to save money and just makes you feel so much better. One of our favorite meals is homemade Swedish Meatballs with noodles. We make a huge batch and it will last us for a couple meals. The original recipe I found is from Alton Brown, but have altered it a little to match my family’s taste. This one is so good, believe me, your family will beg for more.

Homemade Swedish Meatballs

INGREDIENTS

2 slices fresh white bread 1/4 cup milk 3 tablespoons melted butter 1/2 cup finely chopped onion A pinch plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3/4 pound ground chuck 3/4 pound ground pork 2 large egg yolks 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 3 cups beef broth 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half Your favorite noodles or white rice

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Tear the bread into pieces and place in a small mixing bowl along with the milk. Set aside. In a 12-inch straight sided sauté pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and sweat until the onions are soft. Remove from the heat and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread and milk mixture, ground chuck, pork, egg yolks, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, black pepper, allspiceę nutmeg, and onions. Beat on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until fully mixed and fluffy. Using a melon baller or small scoop or spoon, portion out roughly 1 oz balls. Using your hands, shape the meatballs into rounds. Heat the remaining butter in the sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the meatballs and saute until golden brown on all sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs to an oven-proof dish using a slotted spoon and place in the warmed oven. Once all of the meatballs are cooked, decrease the heat to low and add the flour to the pan or skillet. Whisk until lightly browned, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add the beef stock and whisk until sauce begins to thicken. Add the cream and continue to cook until the gravy reaches the desired consistency. Remove the meatballs from the oven, cover with the gravy and serve on top of your favorite noodles or white rice. What are some of your families favorite comfort foods?