Warm and Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Delight 🥣🇸🇪✨
1. Introduction
When the weather turns chilly and you crave comfort food, nothing beats a hearty bowl of Swedish meatball soup. This meatball soup recipe combines tender meatballs, flavorful broth, and nourishing vegetables into a delightful dish that embodies Swedish comfort food. Perfect for cozy nights, this hearty meatball stew is easy to prepare and packed with flavors that will warm you from the inside out.
2. Ingredients for Swedish Meatball Soup
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (optional, for authentic flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen spinach
- 1 cup small potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish)
- Additional fresh parsley for garnish
3. How to Make Traditional Swedish Meatball Soup – Step-by-Step
Preparing the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and allspice if using. Mix gently until the ingredients are well incorporated. Form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Cooking the Meatballs
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Making the Soup Broth
In a large pot, bring the beef or vegetable broth to a gentle simmer. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes. Let the vegetables cook for about 10 minutes or until they begin to soften.
Adding the Meatballs and Greens
Add the cooked meatballs to the simmering broth along with spinach. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the greens to wilt.
Finishing Touches
Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add creaminess. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for an authentic experience.
4. Storage Tips for Swedish Meatball Soup
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For freezing, let the soup cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. This meatball soup re-heats well and often tastes even better the next day!
5. Serving Suggestions for Hearty Meatball Stew
This Swedish comfort food pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or rye toasts. Add a side of pickled vegetables for a touch of acidity that balances the richness. For extra flavor, sprinkle with additional parsley or a squeeze of lemon before serving.
6. Tips and Variations
- Use turkey or chicken for a leaner variation of this meatball soup.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
- Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of dijon mustard to the broth.
7. Internal Links for More Delicious Recipes
- Mexican Street Corn Soup in Crockpot
- Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi
- Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew
- Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini
8. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
Enhance your cooking experience with these essential tools:
- Chef’s Knife – Perfect for chopping vegetables and meat.
- Mixing Bowls Set – Essential for preparing and mixing ingredients.
- Meatball Scoop – Ensures uniform meatball size and quick shaping.
- Large Stockpot – For simmering and making the soup in bulk.
- Soup Ladle – Makes serving easy and elegant.
9. Conclusion
This Swedish meatball soup is a wonderful way to bring warmth and comfort to your table. Its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients make it the perfect hearty meatball stew for cold days or when you need some robust, satisfying fare. Try this recipe today and enjoy the cozy taste of Swedish tradition in your own home. For more delightful comfort food ideas, check out our other recipes linked above!
FAQs about Swedish Meatball Soup
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef?
Absolutely! Using ground turkey or chicken makes the soup lighter while still delicious. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meatballs are cooked through.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by replacing bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed crackers or oats, you can make this meatball soup gluten-free.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The entire process takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, including prep, cooking of the meatballs, and simmering the soup.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftovers freeze well in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop for best results.
Print
Warm and Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup Delight
A flavorful and comforting Swedish Meatball Soup packed with tender meatballs, creamy broth, and fresh herbs, perfect for a cozy meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, milk, salt, pepper, allspice, and parsley. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- In a large pot, bring beef broth to a simmer. Add the meatballs gently and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add sliced carrots and celery to the pot and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the broth slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth.
- You can add potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Ensure meatballs are cooked through before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg