Vegan Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Vegan Swedish meatballs are a delicious, plant-based twist on the classic dish, typically made with meat. Here’s a comprehensive recipe that outlines how to prepare these comforting meatballs along with a creamy gravy.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1/2 cup dry lentils (green or brown)
• 1.5 cups water (for cooking lentils)
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups mushrooms, roughly chopped
• 3/4 cup rolled oats (blended into flour)
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2-3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce

For the Gravy:

• 1 cup unsweetened soy or almond milk
• 1 can (13.5 oz) low-fat coconut milk
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Cook Lentils: In a pot, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15–20 minutes until tender and water is absorbed.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a separate skillet, sauté onion and garlic in a bit of water until translucent. Add chopped mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a food processor, combine cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, oat flour, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Pulse until mixed but still textured.
4. Form Meatballs: Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes to thicken. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake: Bake for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

1. Combine Gravy Ingredients: In a medium pot, combine soy milk, coconut milk, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
2. Thicken Gravy: Bring to a simmer over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry and whisk it into the gravy. Return to heat until thickened.

Step 3: Serve
Pour the gravy over the baked meatballs and serve them with mashed potatoes or pasta for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

• For extra flavor in your meatballs, consider adding nutritional yeast or herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• If you prefer a gluten-free option, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari.

Vegan Swedish Meatballs: Ingredient Alternatives and Cooking Tips

Alternative Ingredients for Vegan Swedish Meatballs

1. Base Ingredients:

• Vegan Ground Meat: Instead of store-bought options like Beyond Meat or Lightlife, you can use a combination of mushrooms and brown rice for a hearty texture or seitan for a meatier bite.
• Binding Agents: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or chia seeds as a binder instead of traditional eggs.

1. Breadcrumbs:

• Substitute regular breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

1. Flavor Enhancers:

• Incorporate ingredients like liquid smoke, nutritional yeast, or finely chopped walnuts to enhance the umami flavor.

Thicker Gravy Alternatives

To thicken the gravy without cornstarch:

• Use all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour as a thickener. Cook it in the pan before adding liquid to remove the raw flour taste.
• Consider using mashed potatoes or pureed beans as natural thickeners for a creamy texture without additional starches.

Milk Alternatives for Gravy

You can use various plant-based milks for the gravy:

• Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk are excellent substitutes. For a richer flavor, consider using coconut cream or a thicker vegan cream alternative.

Recommended Side Dishes

Serve vegan Swedish meatballs with:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes complement the meatballs perfectly.
• Pasta: Any shape works well, especially with the gravy poured over it.
• Rice: A non-traditional but tasty option that absorbs the gravy well.
• Lingonberry Jam: A classic Swedish accompaniment that adds sweetness and tartness to the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans can add balance and nutrition to your meal.

Tips for Crispier Meatballs

To achieve a crispier exterior on your meatballs:

• Ensure not to overcrowd the pan when browning; cook in batches if necessary to allow even cooking and browning.
• Use a bit of oil in the pan and consider baking them at a high temperature (around 425°F/220°C) after browning to enhance crispiness without deep frying.
• Optionally, roll the meatballs in breadcrumbs before frying to create an extra crunchy coating.

These tips and alternatives will help you customize your vegan Swedish meatballs while ensuring they remain delicious and satisfying!

This recipe not only captures the essence of traditional Swedish meatballs but also provides a healthier and cruelty-free alternative that is sure to please everyone at your table!