Meatless Monday Meal: Tasty Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs
Hey there, my fellow foodies! Today we’re going to tantalize our taste buds with an absolutely scrumptious dish – Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs that are sure to please your palate.
Now, I know some of you may be thinking “vegetarian meatballs? How is that even possible?” But trust me when I say that these plant-based meatballs are just as delicious and savory as traditional ones made with ground beef.
Inspired by the classic Swedish dish, I’ve made some small but significant tweaks to make this recipe vegan-friendly. Not only is it packed with flavors, but it’s also healthier and more sustainable than its meat counterpart.
So whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or just looking to reduce your meat intake, this recipe is for you. Without further ado, let’s dive into the wonderful world of vegetarian Swedish Meatballs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you ready for a mouthwatering and delicious vegetarian Swedish meatball recipe that will leave you wanting more? Then look no further because this recipe is the perfect fit for you. Here’s why:
Firstly, this recipe is amazing because it’s completely vegan, which means that it’s suitable for everyone to enjoy. With ingredients such as soy sauce and vegan ground beef, you can trust that this recipe is packed with flavor and will leave you feeling great.
Secondly, not only is it vegan-friendly but it’s also incredibly easy to make! All you need are some basic kitchen tools and ingredients to create a meal that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Lastly, this recipe is versatile! It can be enjoyed with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes or wild rice. Plus, if you’re feeling creative, you can even add your own personal touches by creating your own sauce or serving them over egg noodles.
So trust me when I say that these vegetarian Swedish meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit at any dinner party or simply in the comfort of your own home. Try out this delicious recipe and taste the difference today!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at what you will need for this savory and delicious Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs recipe:
Meatballs:
- 2 cups vegetarian ground beef (Quorn Meatless Grounds or Beyond Meat Beefy Crumbles)
- 1 egg substitute (just egg, flax egg, chia egg)
- 1 onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs (use gluten-free option for GF version)
- ¼ cup unsweetened plain plant-based milk
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or soy sauce vegan option
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 4 cups vegetable broth or mushroom stock
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or plain GF flour)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- â…“ cup unsweetened plain coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes or wild rice
- Lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce
- Steamed peas or green beans
Most of these items are readily available in grocery stores but if you can’t find any of these items in-store, they’re easily purchased online.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s dive in and start making these delectable Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs. You’ll first need to gather all the necessary ingredients listed above before we get started.
Step 1: Prepare for Combining Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and ½ cup of milk {regular or plant-based} and set aside. In another bowl, combine 1 cup panko bread crumbs with ¾ cup of vegetable broth and let sit for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and finely chopped 1 white onion and cook until onion is translucent. Add in minced 2 garlic cloves, and sauté for about one minute longer.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine sautéed onion and garlic mixture with 1 package of vegetarian ground beef substitute (12 oz.), the prepared soy sauce & milk mixture, the softened bread crumb mixture, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 3 tbsp. plain flour.
Step 4-Shaping
Divide the mixture into about 20-24 small balls. Wet hands with a bit of water to prevent sticking. Roll each ball between your palms until smooth.
Step 5-Bake Vegan Swedish Meatballs
Lay shaped balls in a single layer on a greased baking dish or cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for approximately 20-25 minutes until golden brown on the outside and cooked through in the middle.
Pro-tip: If you’re unsure if they’re cooked enough when you take them out of the oven, gently slice one open in half to check if it’s thoroughly cooked inside.
After that final step, your tasty vegan Swedish meatballs are ready to serve!
Substitutions and Variations
What I love most about cooking is the endless possibilities it offers. It’s easy to stick to the same recipes, but why not experiment with some substitutions and variations?
For a vegan rendition of the classic Swedish meatballs, try replacing the meat with Quorn meatless grounds or Beyond Meat’s plant-based beef style crumbles. You can also try lentil meatballs for a high-protein vegetarian option.
If you’re allergic or sensitive to eggs, an egg substitute like flaxseed or applesauce does the trick.
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap panko bread crumbs specifically for gluten-free panko. You can also use gluten-free pasta or mashed potatoes as a base for serving Swedish meatballs.
For those who prefer a creamier sauce but are lactose intolerant, use coconut milk or sour cream vegetarian in place of regular cream.
Get creative with spices – adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can give you that extra layer of flavor that adds depth to your dish.
Experimenting with ingredient substitutions and variations will not only result in delicious new flavors but also open up a whole new world of possibilities. The key is to be adventurous, stay curious and never settle for less!
Serving and Pairing
I have to tell you that these vegetarian Swedish meatballs are so delicious, they can stand on their own as a main course. You can serve them with warm mashed potatoes, fluffy egg noodles or even some wild rice.
However, if you’re looking to step up your pairing game, here are some of my recommendations. You can create a classic Swedish meatballs plate by serving them with a dollop of sour cream and lingonberry jam. The tart sweetness from the jam balances out the savory notes in the meatballs sauce.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try pairing these vegan Swedish meatballs with pasta. I personally love using egg noodles or spaghetti for this dish. Tossing some buttery mushrooms into the mix and adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese takes this dish to another level.
For those who want to switch things up and go plant-based, try serving these Swedish meatballs with a side salad loaded with fresh veggies and a zesty vinaigrette dressing. This pairing is perfect for those seeking something refreshing and light.
These vegetarian Swedish meatballs are so versatile that you can pair them with almost anything. But however you choose to serve it, remember that the key is to balance flavors and textures in each bite.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
So, you’ve made a big batch of these delicious vegetarian Swedish meatballs and now you’re wondering how to store them for later? Well, let me tell ya, these plant-based balls are perfect for make-ahead meals!
To store your meatballs, wait until they have completely cooled down and then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep the container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Pop them in the microwave or reheat in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Now, let’s talk about reheating these bad boys. I recommend reheating them in the oven because it will help maintain their texture and flavor. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
If you’re looking for a quick way to reheat your meatballs, you can also use the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
And finally, if you want to get creative with your leftovers, try incorporating these plant-based meatballs into other dishes like pasta or as a topping on mashed potatoes with gravy. Trust me, the possibilities are endless!
Tips for Perfect Results
Are you new to making vegetarian Swedish meatballs? No worries, it’s easy to make great-tasting vegan Swedish meatballs with just a little bit of practice. Here are a few tips from a vegan chef to help you get the perfect results each time.
Firstly, don’t overmix the ingredients. Yes, it may be tempting to do so, but remember that vegetarian ground beef should be handled gently. Overworking the ground meat will result in tough and dry meatballs. So, use your hands lightly and mix everything together until well combined.
Next up, be careful not to overbake or underbake the meatballs. It can sometimes be difficult to know when they’re done, but aim for a golden brown color on the outside of the meatballs. Check their internal temperature with a cooking thermometer – it should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re entirely cooked through.
Thirdly, use fresh herbs whenever possible as it gives an entirely different flavor profile compared to dried herbs. You can also try using alternative herbs for a unique spin on this classic recipe.
Finally, do not overcrowd the pan while browning the meatballs as this will cause the temperature to drop and result in soggy meatballs instead of crispy ones. Try cooking in batches or using two pans simultaneously to ensure deliciously crispy veggie Swedish Meatballs every time.
With these tips in mind, you’ll surely achieve perfect results with your vegetarian Swedish meatball recipe!
FAQ
Before we wrap things up, let’s tackle some FAQs that you may have about this Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs Recipe. These questions were gathered from my own experience and research, as well as through conversations with fellow vegan chefs who share my passion for creating delicious meals without animal products. Let’s dive in and see if any of these questions can help you perfect your own Swedish meatball recipe!
What makes Swedish meatballs different from regular meatballs?
Swedish meatballs stand out from Italian meatballs in terms of their unique blend of spices, as they trade garlic and parmesan cheese for fragrant nutmeg and allspice. Additionally, Swedish meatballs are commonly served with a creamy white sauce instead of the traditional tomato sauce.
What is in IKEA vegan meatballs?
Introducing a new kind of ball that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. This delectable ball boasts a flavor, texture and succulent bite that rivals traditional meatballs. But, instead of being made from meat, it is crafted using a blend of pea protein, oats, potatoes, onion and apple. The best part? This plant-based option boasts an exceptionally low eco-footprint – coming in at just 4% of the carbon emissions produced by its meaty counterpart.
Bottom Line
So there you have it – a delicious and mouth-watering vegetarian Swedish meatballs recipe that is perfect for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike. With these meatballs, you can enjoy the savory and comforting flavors of traditional Swedish cuisine without sacrificing your dietary preferences.
This recipe boasts a healthy mixture of protein, carbs and fats that offer great nutritional value while also satisfying your taste buds. So go ahead and give these vegetarian Swedish meatballs a try at home. Experiment with your own substitutions and variations to make them your own.
Whether you serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes or with a side of wild rice, these meatballs will make for an unforgettable meal that is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. And the best part? You can save any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer for another time.
So don’t hesitate – indulge in this mouth-watering recipe today and discover the flavorful world of vegan and vegetarian Swedish meatballs!
Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb vegetarian ground beef (I recommend Lightlife Gimme Lean Ground Beef Style, Don't use crumbles)
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 eggs or 1 egg substitute
- 2 slices crumbled bread
- 1 medium onion, chopped fine
- 2 -4 tablespoons milk
- 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans low-fat cream of mushroom soup
- 10 1/2 ounces milk
- oil (for cooking)
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine (I use my hands) the Vegetarian Beef Substitue, the soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, egg, crumbled bread, onion and 2-4 tbsp milk.
- When mixed it should be sticky but stay together when rolled into a ball.
- Roll into balls (1.5-2 inches in diameter).
- Heat oil for cooking in a pan, it should coat all surfaces.
- Over medium cook the meatballs until each side is browned.
- Then in a casserole dish mix 1 can of cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 can milk.
- Place meatballs on top of this mixture.
- Combine the other can of cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 can of milk and pour on top of meatballs.
- Cover and cook in a 350 degree oven for 1-1.5 hours.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.