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Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup

Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup

Cozy Swedish Meatball Soup is a comforting and creamy soup featuring tender meatballs made from a ground beef and pork blend, simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. This heartwarming dish is perfect for chilly days, combining a rich and creamy base with fresh dill and parsley for a classic Scandinavian touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons oil (for browning meatballs)

Soup Base

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream (or coconut milk for lower calorie)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional spices: cayenne or chili flakes (for spicy variation)
  • Optional extras: mushrooms or zucchini (for extra veggie boost)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: Combine ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine ingredients. Shape the mixture into small, uniform meatballs to ensure even cooking.
  2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently brown the meatballs on all sides, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. This helps lock in flavor and creates a delightful crust on the meatballs.
  3. Build the Soup Base: In a large pot, sauté diced onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes until they are soft and fragrant. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, then carefully add the browned meatballs to the pot.
  4. Simmer and Infuse Flavors: Let the soup simmer gently on low heat until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender. This slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully without toughening the meatballs.
  5. Add Cream and Herbs: Stir in heavy cream or sour cream to add richness and a creamy finish. Finish the soup by folding in fresh dill and parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed and serve hot.

Notes

  • Keep ground meat and liquids chilled to help meatballs stay tender and juicy.
  • Don’t overmix meatball mixture to prevent dense meatballs.
  • Brown meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.
  • Simmer the soup slowly over low heat to develop full flavor without overcooking.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavor and vibrant color.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months (omit fresh herbs when freezing).
  • Reheat gently on stove, adding extra broth or cream if needed to restore consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: Swedish meatball soup, creamy meatball soup, cozy soup, Scandinavian soup, gluten-free meatball soup, comforting soup, homemade meatball soup