Discover the cozy flavors of Scandinavia with these traditional Finnish Meatballs, an irresistible blend of ground beef, pork, and warm spices like allspice, all brought together with a rich, creamy gravy. Perfectly tender thanks to a breadcrumb and milk mixture, and elevated with sautéed onions and a hint of peppery seasoning, each bite delivers comforting, homestyle goodness. These golden-browned meatballs are simmered in a velvety sauce made from beef broth, a buttery roux, and heavy cream, resulting in a dish that’s as luxurious as it is hearty. Pair them with classic sides like fluffy mashed potatoes, tangy lingonberry jam, and crisp pickled cucumbers for a flavorful Finnish feast that’s ideal for dinner any night of the week. This recipe is your gateway to Nordic comfort food at its finest!
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid.
Finely chop the onion and sauté it in 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until translucent. Let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed onion, egg, ground allspice, ground black pepper, and salt. Use your hands to combine the mixture thoroughly, but do not overwork it.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 3 cm in diameter, and place them on a plate or tray.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
To make the gravy, add the flour to the skillet (with the meatball drippings) and whisk together for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the gravy.
Serve the Finnish meatballs hot, traditionally with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and a side of pickled cucumbers.
Calories |
3274 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 227.6 g | 292% | |
| Saturated Fat | 97.1 g | 485% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 975 mg | 325% | |
| Sodium | 6684 mg | 291% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 114.2 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.0 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.6 g | ||
| Protein | 183.2 g | 366% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.6 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 464 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 19.9 mg | 111% | |
| Potassium | 1748 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.