Swedish Castle Delight
Submitted by Rara
Swedish-spiced meatballs with allspice, nutmeg, and ginger, rolled in cornmeal and browned in bacon fat, then simmered in a savory pan gravy and served over buttered noodles. A hearty Scandinavian-inspired weeknight dinner.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
25 minCOOK
30 minREADY
1 hrsThink of these as Swedish meatballs with a little extra swagger.
The meat mixture is seasoned with the classic Scandinavian trio of allspice, nutmeg, and ginger, with a touch of brown sugar for depth. Toasted hamburger bun crumbs keep them tender, and a cornmeal coating gives each ball a subtle crunch when browned in bacon fat.
The gravy comes together right in the same pan: beef bouillon, soy sauce, and a slick of cornstarch that pulls everything into a glossy, savory sauce.
Pile the meatballs and gravy over buttered egg noodles, finish with a scatter of fresh dill, and dinner is done in about an hour.
Pro Tips
- Toast the hamburger buns until they’re dry and golden before processing into crumbs. Soft bread makes mushy meatballs.
- Keep the meatballs to 1-inch size for even browning and quick cooking. Bigger balls take longer and can end up raw in the center.
- A splash of soy sauce in the gravy adds a salty umami note that deepens the whole dish without tasting out of place.
Ingredients
Directions
Toast hamburger buns on cookie sheet, centers up, at 250 degrees F. until lightly browned 12 to 15 minutes. Cool and process into fine crumbs.
While buns toast, add to hamburgers; onion, bacon, ¾ crumbs, egg, milk, spices, brown sugar, pepper and salt.
Mix well and form into 1-inch balls; roll in corn meal.
Brown in bacon fat. Set aside.
Cook noodles according to directions.
Drain; stir in butter or olive oil; cover and keep warm.
In bacon pan, add remaining crumbs, water, bouillion and soy sauce.
Mix well and cook 1 minute.
Add cornstarch. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until smooth.
Reduce heat, add meatballs, stir and simmer 1 minute.
To serve: place noodles on a platter.
Cover with meatballs and sauce, garnish with dill.
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