What makes Swedish meatballs Swedish?

Question

I’ve been reading questions about Swedish meatballs and I don’t recognize the recipes given in the answers. I’m Swedish by the way and as a Swede I have an idea of what traditional meatballs in Sweden is made of, most of the recipes is not what I would call Swedish. Meatballs, yes, but not Swedish.

So I’ve been thinking. Maybe there is something about the meatballs that makes them Swedish to a foreigner even though they are not Swedish to a Swede.

Now I ask you, what makes Swedish meatballs Swedish? Why not just meatballs with different seasonings and sauces? What is that one thing that makes them Swedish to you even though they are not of Swedish origin?

So a foreigners idea of Swedish meatballs is simply IKEA meatballs?

Answer 1

it might be an american way of differentiating them from traditional italian meatballs. in america if you talk about just plain meatballs, we automatically think of meatballs with red tomato sauce (whether it be with spaghetti or as a sandwich). when you talk about swedish meatballs, we think of meatballs in a creamy sauce (usually with mushrooms) and egg noodles or rice. (i also think of lingonberries.) it was a very popular dish in the 70s, and is regaining 'fame' with the explosion of IKEA stores in the states. (hope that helps)

this is what it says in wikipedia.....
In Sweden köttbullar (meatballs) are made with ground beef or a mix of ground beef and pork, mixed with breadcrumbs soaked in milk and finely chopped onions. They are seasoned with white pepper or allspice and salt. Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with gravy, boiled potatoes, lingonberry jam, and sometimes fresh pickled cucumber. Swedish meatballs are served at the cafeteria at most IKEA locations around the world.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What makes Swedish meatballs Swedish?
I’ve been reading questions about Swedish meatballs and I don’t recognize the recipes given in the answers. I’m Swedish by the way and as a Swede I have an idea of what traditional meatballs in Sweden is made of, most of the recipes is not what I would call Swedish. Meatballs, yes, but not Swedish....

Answer 3

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Answer 4

What Are Swedish Meatballs

Answer 5

IKEA Swedish meatballs are authentic. They taste just like the ones my grandparents made. They were third generation Americans of Swedish descent.

Swedish Meatballs are smaller, denser and tastier IMO than the Italian Variety.

Answer 6

For authentic Swedish meatballs rather than the Americanized version (with a white sauce which is never eaten in Sweden) : 1 tablespoon butter 3 tablespoons onions, grated 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1 1/2 cups milk 1/2 lb ground beef 1/2 lb ground pork 1/2 lb ground veal 1 egg 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper butter or oil Gravy pan juices 1 tablespoon flour 3/4 cup cream (whole milk works in a pinch) salt white pepper Melt butter in a skillet. Saute onions in the butter until golden. Soak the bread crumbs in the milk. To the bread mixture, add the meats, egg, onion, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix until a smooth texture is achieved. Chill mix for an hour or so, to firm it up. Form mix into meatballs, using 1-2 tablespoons of meat per ball. (these should be smaller than a golf ball). If you are making these on a warm day, you might want to chill the formed balls again, so that you don't get flat sides when you fry them. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Melt a small amount of butter (traditional) or oil in the pan. Add enough meatballs to fill the pan very loosely. Shake the pan as you fry the balls, to keep the round shape as they cook. Continue to cook until they are evenly brown on all sides. Remove each batch to a warm platter in the oven, as you fry the rest. If you wish to make the gravy, deglaze the pan with a little water after each batch, and reserve the resulting drippings in a bowl. For the gravy:. When all of the meatballs have been fried, mix the flour and cream (or milk), and add to the reserved pan drippings in the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of cream (or milk) to thin, then taste and season with salt and/or pepper as needed. Pour gravy over warm meatballs and serve with boiled potatoes and lingonberry sauce.

Answer 7

the only Swedish meatballs I've ever had were at the Ikea cafe. And Ikea is Swedish... so I guess Ikea meatballs are Swedish meatballs.

Answer 8

Svenska tankar är blandat i dom i alla fall. Det är jag till freds med.