Norwegian Meatballs: Better than IKEA (and Easier to Assemble) - Laniers Meats (2024)

FAQs

Norwegian Meatballs: Better than IKEA (and Easier to Assemble) - Laniers Meats? ›

The main difference between Swedish Meatballs and Norwegian Meatballs (or "kjøttkaker") is that Norwegian Meatballs are typically larger and flatter than their meatball cousin. The seasonings are also slightly different from what you would normally find in Swedish Meatballs.

The main difference between Swedish Meatballs and Norwegian Meatballs (or "kjøttkaker") is that Norwegian Meatballs are typically larger and flatter than their meatball cousin. The seasonings are also slightly different from what you would normally find in Swedish Meatballs.

It's a dish that's best made at home with lots of love! So what makes a kjøttkake? In Norway, they are traditionally made from minced cattle, pork, lamb, or game meat, and shaped into thick, flat patties and fried.

While both varieties include ingredients such as grated onion and panade (milk-soaked bread) or bread crumbs, plus the usual salt and pepper, Swedish meatballs traditionally use spices like allspice, nutmeg, white pepper, and sometimes ground ginger as flavoring.

The Danish meatball is a little rugged in texture and can be served in multiple ways – with a lightly spiced curry sauce, for example, or a rich gravy. A Swedish meatball, in comparison to the crispy, pan-fried Danish version, is often a little smaller, with a very smooth, even texture and a rounder shape.

The standard meatballs that you might put in a spaghetti sauce or a meatball sub are usually made with ground beef. But, Swedish meatballs from IKEA are made from both pork and beef! And, of course, there is a creamy gravy rather than a red sauce when you serve it.

If you're wondering what's so special about Swedish Meatballs, or what they taste like, close your eyes and imagine this: incredibly soft meatballs, made extra juicy by using a combination of both pork and beef and soaked bread instead of breadcrumbs, lightly spiced with just a touch of nutmeg and all spice that gives ...

Stouffer's® Swedish Meatballs in Gravy feature tender, moist cooked meatballs made with a combination of seasoned beef and pork smothered in a sour cream gravy with a savory beef and onion flavor.

Swedish furniture giant Ikea was drawn into Europe's widening food labelling scandal Monday as authorities said they had detected horsemeat in frozen meatballs labeled as beef and pork and sold in 13 countries across the continent.

Ground beef, pork and veal are the most common choices in Italy when making meatballs. Some prefer just one, others a mix. It's really up to you. We definitely recommend staying away from chicken or turkey, though.

Why are my Swedish meatballs falling apart? ›

ANSWER: Usually when meatballs fall apart, it's the binder that is the problem. Most meatball recipes call for using bread crumbs and eggs. But too much bread crumbs make them too loose, and not enough bread crumbs won't help them hold together either.

They're loaded with salt (and salt is delicious)

According to Ikea's website, the 12-meatball version of their KÖTTBULLAR plate packs a pretty serious amount of salt into your bloodstream, to the tune of 1,520 milligrams.

We've been serving food at IKEA stores since the 1960s, but in 1985 Swedish chef Severin Sjöstedt created a meatball that was delicious, affordable and easy to serve, based on the traditional Swedish meatball. After 10 months of tireless testing and tasting, the IKEA meatball was born.

Traditional Swedish way: Do not make the cream sauce at all. Serve meatballs over plain or stewed macaroni, plain or mashed potatoes, and lingenberry jam (optional)

Are Ikea meatballs healthy? The meatballs are low in carbs but high in fat content, so while they're not healthy food, Ikea Swedish meatballs can be part of a healthy eating plan when enjoyed in moderation and as an occasional treat.

How to Thicken Swedish Meatball Sauce. The all-purpose flour in this recipe should do the trick to thicken your Swedish meatball sauce to the right consistency. But if it doesn't, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch to 2 tablespoons of water) to thicken it up.

However, there are also differences.

In addition, Norwegian cuisine puts more emphasis on traditional cooking methods such as smoking and pickling, while Swedish cuisine is known for its fried dishes and use of sauces.

"Finnish meatballs are meatier and bigger than Swedish meatballs. They are also served with lingonberry jam and boiled/mashed potatoes, and a gravy, but they are juicier and yummier.

What's in Swedish Meatball Sauce? Beef stock gives the sauce its savory, meaty flavor. Heavy cream ensures the sauce will be rich, smooth, and creamy. A little bit of all-purpose flour will thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.