Ikea has delighted fans by sharing the recipe for its iconic Swedish meatballs.

Last month, the furniture giant temporarily closed all Ikea stores across the UK and Ireland to customers as a precautionary measure against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

While the move has been welcomed by fans, it has left many unable to get their fix of the retailer’s cult-favourite Swedish meatballs, which no trip to Ikea is complete without.

But fans need not mourn the loss of their beloved meatballs because Ikea has decided to share its delicious secret recipe, giving everyone the chance to recreate them at home.

The six-step recipe has been published on a recipe card designed just like the instructions customers receive when attempting to put together a piece of the company’s flat pack furniture.

The card, which also shares the recipe for Ikea’s famous Swedish cream sauce, shows that the meatballs take just eight ingredients to make, with a further eight for the gravy.

“We know that some people might be missing our meatballs, which is why we’ve released an at-home alternative which, using easily accessible ingredients, will help those looking for some inspiration in the kitchen,” says Lorena Lourido, Ikea’s country food manager.

“Staying at home can be hard, but we want to help make everyone’s lives that little bit easier and more enjoyable. Bon appétit or, smaklig måltid, as we say in Sweden!”

Ikea’s Swedish Meatballs: Serves 4

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 500g beef mince
• 250g pork mince
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic (crushed or minced)
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 5 tablespoons of milk (whole milk)
• Generous salt and pepper

For the cream sauce

• Dash of oil
• 40g butter
• 40g plain flour
• 150mL vegetable stock
• 150mL beef stock
• 150mL thick double cream
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Method

Meatballs: 

1. Combine beef and pork mince and mix with your fingers to break up any lumps. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg and mix. Add milk and season well with salt and pepper.
2. Shape mixture into small, round balls. Place on a clean plate, cover and store in the fridge for two hours (this will help them hold their shape whilst cooking).
3. In a frying pan, heat oil on medium heat. When hot, gently add meatballs and brown on all sides.
4. When browned, add to an ovenproof dish and cover. Place in a hot oven (180C conventional or 160C fan) and cook for a further 30 minutes. 

Iconic Swedish cream sauce: 

1. Melt 40g butter in a pan. Whisk in 40g of plain flour and stir for two mins. Add 150mL of veg stock and 150mL of beef stock and continue to stir. Add 150mL of double cream, 2 tsp of soy sauce and 1 tsp of Dijon mustard. Bring it to simmer and allow sauce to thicken. 
2. When ready to eat, serve with your favourite potatoes - either creamy mash or mini new boiled potatoes. Enjoy!

Ikea is not the only brand to have shared the secret recipe for one of its most-loved dishes.

Earlier this month, Pret a Manger revealed the recipe for its Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies. You can find out how to make them here.

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