Healthy IKEA style meatballs

Ikea meatballs are infamous, and many clamber to the canteen of Ikea when shopping to get a fix. While there is no confirmed source, the cream and butter in the recipe sources I’ve found online suggest this is a high calorie high syn dish. So this is a healthier version which substitutes a couple of ingredients, you will not be disappointed with the outcome.

This recipe serves 4, but you could always freeze half of the meatballs in sauce as they will keep beautifully.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 500g lean 5% beef mince

• 250g lean 5% pork mince / turkey mince

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 egg

• 3 tbsp semi skimmed milk

• 100g wholemeal breadcrumbs

• 2 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp allspice

• Salt and pepper

For the cream sauce:

• 1 onion, diced

• 800ml beef stock

• 2tbsp fat-free quark

• 1 tsp dijon mustard

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• 50g butter [Optional - add 3 syns)

• 50g flour [Optional - add 3 syns)

Instructions:

1. Into a mixing bowl add the beef mince and pork/turkey mince. Mix with your hands then add the garlic, egg, milk, breadcrumb, onion powder, allspice, black pepper and salt. Combine the ingredients well and shape into small round balls.

2. Shape all of the mix into meatballs then transfer to a tray and place in the fridge for at least one hour. This will ensure the meatballs hold their shape when cooking.

3. While the meatballs are chilling, prepare the iconic swedish cream sauce. Place a medium saucepan on a medium heat and two tablespoons of butter.

4. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the flour and stir for 2 minutes to cook out.

5. Gradually pour the beef stock into the saucepan, stirring as it cooks to achieve a thick and glossy sauce. Once all of the beef stock is combined add the fromage frais and dijon mustard. Turn the heat to low and cover the pan to keep warm.

6. After chilling, cook the meatballs in a large frying pan. Place a pan on a high heat and add the remaining butter. Once the butter is hot add the meatballs and brown on all sides.

7. Transfer the browned meatballs to the saucepan of cream sauce and finish with fresh chopped parsley. The warm sauce will finish the cooking of the meatballs and bring their flavours together.

For sides, for the full Ikea experience make syn-free mashed potatoes and a little ikea lingonberry jam.