Swedish Meatball Pie: A Savory Dish for Cozy Occasions

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Swedish meatball pie, a comforting dish that combines hearty meatballs with a creamy sauce and a flaky pastry crust. This classic Swedish recipe is a culinary masterpiece that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs: - 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef - 1 pound (450 grams) ground pork - 1 onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) bread crumbs - 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk - 1 egg - 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley - 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt - 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper For the Sauce: - 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter - 1 tablespoon (15 grams) all-purpose flour - 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth - 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk - 1/2 cup (120 grams) heavy cream - 1 tablespoon (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley - 1 teaspoon (5 grams) dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt - 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper For the Crust: - 1 1/4 cups (150 grams) all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed - 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) salt - 4-6 tablespoons (60-90 milliliters) ice water

Instructions:

To Make the Meatballs: 1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper. 2. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. 3. Form the mixture into 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) meatballs. To Make the Sauce: 1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. 2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, or until golden brown. 3. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, milk, and heavy cream until smooth. 4. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 15-20 minutes. 5. Stir in the parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. To Make the Crust: 1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. 2. Add the cubed butter and use your fingers to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. 3. Add the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. 4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. To Assemble the Pie: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch (30-centimeter) circle. 3. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch (23-centimeter) pie plate and trim the edges. 4. Pour the meatballs into the pie crust. 5. Top with the sauce. 6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the meatballs are cooked through. 7. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground veal. - Add some grated Parmesan cheese to the meatballs for an extra cheesy twist. - If you don't have time to make your own sauce, you can use a pre-made cream of mushroom soup diluted with milk. - Serve the pie with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, or a side salad. Swedish meatball pie is a delectable dish that embodies the warmth and comfort of Scandinavian cuisine. Its savory flavors, hearty texture, and inviting aroma make it a perfect choice for cozy family gatherings, festive occasions, or simply enjoying a comforting meal at home. So gather your loved ones, prepare this culinary delight, and savor the flavors of a Swedish culinary tradition.