Simple Swedish Meatballs

4 from 1 vote

Swedish meatballs at their finest, kids and adults will enjoy this healthy and savory dish.

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine: Swedish

Keyword: Kid-Friendly, Paleo

Servings: people

Calories: 416kcal

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
1 onion chopped finely
2 pounds lean ground chicken or turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs coarsely ground or panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style breadcrumbs) *if making at home, pulse until breadcrumbs are still coarse, not a fine grain breadcrumb
1 egg large
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour whole-wheat preferred
4 cups beef stock non-fat - chicken, or turkey stock for substitute
3/4 cup sour cream non-fat or non-fat plain Greek yogurt
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup lingonberry preserves or cranberry jam, mixed into the sauce or served on the side (optional)

Heat onion in one tablespoon olive oil over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until onions become softened and slightly translucent.
Mix ground chicken or turkey with cooked onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, spices, and salt and pepper in a large bowl to combine.
Form about 24 1-inch or so meatballs.
Add the rest of the olive oil to the pan over medium heat until oil is hot and shimmering. Add meatballs about 6 to 8 at a time, so the sides are not touching and the pan is not crowded, and allow them to brown on all sides, flipping to get even browning. After about 5 minutes, remove and place on a plate.
For the gravy, add the olive oil to the pan, over medium heat. Add in the flour, whisking constantly, until a golden paste has formed, for about 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the vegetable or chicken stock in a thin stream, whisking constantly, until the stock has thickened, for about two minutes. Stir in the nonfat sour cream or Greek yogurt and salt and pepper. If adding to the sauce, stir in the preserve or jam now until fully incorporated.
Stir in all of the meatballs carefully, to coat with sauce. Cook for 10 minutes, or until meatballs are heated through.
Swedish Meatballs would go well as an entree with our Mashed Cauliflower.

SmartPoints (Freestyle): 14