Swedish Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (about 1 cup) fresh crustless bread crumbs
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp cardamom
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 1/2 Tbsp butter, divided
• 2/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion (1/2 medium)
• 1 tsp minced garlic (1 clove)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large egg yolks
• 3/4 lb 85% lean ground beef
• 3/4 lb ground pork
• 3 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed 18×13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Prepare Bread Crumbs:

   In a large mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Pour in the milk and toss with a fork. Let it rest while you sauté the onions.

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:

   Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until softened and slightly golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add garlic during the last 30 seconds.

4. Combine Meat Mixture:

   Add beef, pork, egg yolks, and the onion mixture to the bread crumb mixture. Gently mix until evenly distributed.

5. Shape Meatballs:

   Scoop out 1 oz portions of the mixture (using a medium cookie scoop or about 2 tbsp each) and shape into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.

6. Bake Meatballs:

   Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through (center should register 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer), about 18-22 minutes.

7. Prepare the Sauce:

   Meanwhile, in the same skillet used to sauté the onions, melt the remaining 3 1/2 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

   While whisking, slowly pour in the beef broth and cream. Add Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.

8. Serve:

   Pour the sauce over the baked meatballs and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.