Turkey Swedish Meatballs
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Swedish meatballs get a healthy makeover by replacing fatty beef and pork with lean ground turkey, and oven baking instead of the traditional pan-frying. Serve the finished meatballs with a side of boiled new potatoes or mashed potatoes, or atop a mound of wide egg noodles for a less traditional (but still delicious) approach.
Author:
Recipe type: Main
Serves: 8
Ingredients
Meatballs:
  • 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 4 tbsp canola oil, divided
  • 1 large onion, finely minced
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 lbs lean ground turkey
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2½ cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • Lingonberry, cranberry or redcurrant jelly , for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
  1. Preheat oven to 400F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
  2. Mix breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl. Set aside for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to completely absorb the milk.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, saute the onion in 1 tbsp canola oil until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice. Add the soaked breadcrumbs and cooled onions. Using hands, mix well until everything is well combined.
  5. Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out and roll the meat mixture into balls, transferring the shaped meatballs to the prepared baking sheet (meatballs should be fairly close together, but not touching). You should have roughly 50-60 meatballs.
  6. Lightly coat the meatballs with cooking spray or brush with canola oil. Bake in preheated oven about 20-25 minutes or until centre is cooked through and tops are lightly browned. (If the meatballs still look a little pale, broil them for 5 minutes or until they take on a little colour.)
Prepare the Sauce:
  1. While the meatballs are baking, begin on the sauce.
  2. Return skillet to medium-high heat, and add butter. Once butter is melted and foamy, whisk in the flour until smooth paste forms and cook for 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the stock and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until sauce is thick and glossy, then remove from heat and whisk in sour cream.
  3. Add the cooked meatballs to the pan and stir until well coated with sauce. Serve immediately with a generous dollop of lingonberry sauce.
Notes
Meatballs can also be prepared a day or two in advance, and then reheated on the stovetop on medium-low heat until warmed through - just be careful not to bring to a full boil, or else the sauce could curdle.
Recipe by Crumb: A Food Blog at https://www.crumbblog.com/comfort-food-makeover-turkey-swedish-meatballs/