Swedish Meatball Soup: A Comforting & Delicious Recipe

Swedish Meatball Soup: Imagine a chilly evening, the aroma of savory broth filling your kitchen, and the comforting warmth of a hearty soup in your hands. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl! Have you ever craved the delightful flavors of Swedish meatballs but wanted something a little different, a little cozier? Then you’re in for a treat!

Swedish meatballs themselves have a fascinating history, evolving from Turkish influences brought to Sweden by King Charles XII in the early 18th century. Over time, they’ve become a beloved staple in Swedish cuisine, enjoyed in homes and restaurants alike. But we’re taking those iconic meatballs and transforming them into something truly special.

What makes Swedish Meatball Soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect blend of creamy broth, tender meatballs, and hearty vegetables. The dill-infused broth provides a bright, herbaceous counterpoint to the richness of the meatballs, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. People adore this dish because it’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend lunches. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce a new twist to a classic favorite. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain, unseasoned)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, for browning
• For the Soup:
• 8 cups beef broth
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

Making the Swedish Meatballs

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of this soup – the Swedish meatballs! These little guys are packed with flavor, and trust me, they’re worth the effort. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; it’s all pretty straightforward.

1. Combine the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, pepper, and salt. I like to use my hands for this, but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, and we want them nice and tender. Just mix until everything is evenly distributed.
2. Form the Meatballs: Now, roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. I find it helpful to use a small cookie scoop to ensure they’re all roughly the same size. This helps them cook evenly. Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Brown the Meatballs: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Crowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they are nicely seared, but not fully cooked through. This step is crucial for developing that rich, savory flavor. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside. They will finish cooking in the soup later.

Preparing the Soup Base

With the meatballs browned and resting, it’s time to build the flavorful foundation of our soup. This part is all about layering those aromatic vegetables and creating a creamy, comforting broth.

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet you used to brown the meatballs (don’t wipe it out – all those browned bits are flavor gold!), melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning.
2. Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will help thicken the soup. Cook the flour until it’s lightly golden and smells nutty. This step is important to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth and chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits are called fond, and they add tons of flavor to the soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Season the Broth: Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried marjoram to the simmering broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
5. Add the Potatoes: Stir in the cubed Yukon Gold potatoes. These will add a creamy texture and hearty element to the soup.

Combining and Simmering

Now comes the magic – bringing everything together and letting the flavors meld into a symphony of deliciousness. This is where patience pays off!

1. Add the Meatballs: Gently add the browned meatballs to the simmering soup. Make sure they are submerged in the broth.
2. Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are cooked through. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop. I sometimes let it simmer for an hour or more for an even richer flavor.
3. Check for Doneness: To ensure the meatballs are cooked through, you can cut one open to check. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Almost there! A few final steps will elevate this soup to a truly unforgettable meal. These finishing touches add richness and freshness.

1. Stir in the Cream: Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. This will make the soup incredibly creamy and luxurious. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as it can curdle.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
3. Remove the Bay Leaf: Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the soup.
4. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the Swedish meatball soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize this recipe to your liking:

• Meatball Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat. Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of the beef or pork. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a little heat.
• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables to the soup, such as mushrooms, peas, or green beans.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen as it sits.
• Freezing: Swedish Meatball Soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Breadcrumb Substitute: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or even rolled oats as a substitute.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.

Enjoy your homemade Swedish Meatball Soup!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! I truly believe this Swedish Meatball Soup recipe is a must-try for anyone craving comfort food with a Scandinavian twist. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. The creamy broth, the perfectly seasoned meatballs, and the tender potatoes all come together to create a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Forget those bland, watery soups – this is the real deal!

What makes this soup so special? It’s the combination of simple ingredients elevated by careful preparation and a touch of Swedish flair. The meatballs are seasoned with allspice and nutmeg, giving them a unique and aromatic flavor that complements the creamy dill-infused broth perfectly. And let’s not forget the potatoes, which add a satisfying heartiness to the soup. It’s a complete meal in a bowl!

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a richer flavor, try using beef broth instead of chicken broth. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of sherry or white wine to the soup while it’s simmering. And for a vegetarian option, simply substitute the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve this delicious soup with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt for extra creaminess.
* Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
* Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread or rye crackers for dipping.
* For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple green salad.
* Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.

Variations to Explore:

* Spicy Swedish Meatball Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a little kick.
* Lemon Dill Swedish Meatball Soup: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and extra dill to brighten up the flavor.
* Mushroom Swedish Meatball Soup: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy flavor.
* Vegetarian Swedish Meatball Soup: Use plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
* Creamy Tomato Swedish Meatball Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes to the soup for a tangy twist.

I’m confident that you’ll love this Swedish Meatball Soup as much as I do. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. And don’t forget to share your creations with me! I’d love to see your photos and hear about your variations. Tag me on social media and let me know what you think. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see your culinary masterpieces! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be happy to help. Enjoy!