I went shopping at Ikea the other day under major protest from Desi (because it always turns out to be a multiple-hour, escape-proof affair). Jay began pestering me to get the vegan Swedish meatballs the minute we walked in the door but after one look at the long line at the restaurant I told him it would not be happening. He wore me down over the next two hours of the meandering walk through the showroom and the marketplace but by the time we had wrapped up the restaurant had closed too. I knew I was done for. And the only way to placate my bristling son was to grab a bag of their new plant mince, made with pea protein, at the checkout and promise I would make meatballs and sauce “just like Ikea’s” for dinner as soon as we got home. Since Jay is quite the connoisseur when it comes to the Ikea veggie meatballs–and the cream sauce–I had to be quite fastidious and to try and match the taste exactly. I already had a vegan Swedish meatball and sauce recipe on the blog but the fact that Ikea had, only last year during the pandemic, revealed its (non-vegan) recipe for their meatballs and sauce came in handy. The result was this incredibly delicious dish of veggie meatballs and an amazingly silky, smooth sauce that we all loved immensely. The secret to making the sauce so flavorful with just a few ingredients was my mushroom stock that’s so full of umami. I hope you’ve made the stock already (or are planning to make it). If you haven’t, here’s your excuse. 🙂
Why you’ll love this vegan Swedish meatballs recipe
It’s so easy. There are just a handful of pantry ingredients needed for both the sauce and the meatballs. And once you have them gathered it takes minutes to make this recipe. You can even cheat on the meatballs and just use any storebought vegan meatballs–I often use veggie meatballs from Aldi’s or Beyond for this recipe. If you’re looking for something entirely homemade and healthier, you can’t go wrong with these vegan air fryer meatballs made with chickpeas and walnuts. It’s so, so flavorful. If you are a fan of Ikea meatballs, you will love these. They are just as delicious and better, because they are homemade. It’s immensely kid friendly. Jay has always loved these meatballs and when I make them for dinner I can be pretty sure he will polish off his plate and go for seconds and even thirds. And it’s the best way I know to get mushrooms into his tummy. 😉
How to make vegan Swedish meatballs, Ikea style
Make the meatballs
Place the thawed vegan mince, minced onion, finely ground panko breadcrumbs, and salt and ground black pepper in a bowl. Mix well. You should easily be able to form meatballs with this mixture. If it doesn’t hold together, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed in a tablespoon or two of water. Once you’ve formed the meatballs (I got about 48) heat the oil in a large skillet. Fry the meatballs without overcrowding, in batches if necessary, turning them on all sides so they brown evenly. Remove the meatballs to a plate lined with a paper towel and set aside.
Make the cream sauce
Place the cashews in a blender with the mushroom stock and mushrooms. If your blender is not high-powered, let them soak for up to 30 minutes. Then blend into a very smooth cream. Place the vegan butter in a large skillet (you can reuse the skillet used to fry the meatballs–pour out any remaining oil and wipe the skillet first). Once the butter melts add the flour for the roux. Mix well and continue stirring over medium-low until the flour browns (not too much, see the picture below). Add the cashew cream and mix well. You can use a whisk to ensure the roux mixes thoroughly with the cream. Stir in the soy sauce and dijon mustard. Once the gravy comes to a boil turn down the heat and let it simmer 2-3 minutes. Add salt and ground black pepper. Turn off the heat. To serve, pour the sauce over the meatballs. Garnish with parsley.
What to serve with the Swedish meatballs
Serve the meatballs and sauce over vegan mashed potatoes. Dollop some lingonberry jam– or raspberry jam–on the side for a true Ikea style meal without the long lines. 🙂 You can also add some steamed broccoli or other veggies on the side. You can also serve the meatballs and gravy over a ribbon pasta.
More vegan meatball recipes
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