How to Make the Perfect Vegan Swedish Meatballs
Swedish · Medium · 55 min · 4 servings
These Vegan Swedish Meatballs are tender, savory lentil and mushroom balls served in a rich and creamy dairy-free gravy that rivals the classic IKEA original. This vegan recipe is pure comfort food that proves plant-based cooking can be every bit as indulgent and satisfying as traditional dishes.
Why this recipe works
This Vegan Swedish Meatballs recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 55 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 17g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups cooked green lentils
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms finely chopped
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
Mash the cooked lentils in a large bowl until mostly smooth with some texture remaining. Add the finely chopped mushrooms, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of allspice and nutmeg. Mix until the mixture comes together and can be shaped without falling apart.
Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, you should get about 16 to 18 meatballs. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil and brown the meatballs in batches for about 6 minutes turning to get color on all sides.
Step 3: Make the Gravy Base
In the same skillet whisk the flour into a tablespoon of vegan butter over medium heat and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth making sure no lumps form then stir in the coconut milk and Dijon mustard.
Step 4: Simmer Together
Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and add the browned meatballs back to the pan. Cook for 10 minutes until the gravy has thickened to a silky sauce consistency and the meatballs are heated through and have absorbed the flavors.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the meatballs and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes or cooked egg-free noodles. Garnish with fresh dill and a spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side for an authentic Swedish experience.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- full-fat coconut milk → unsweetened oat cream or cashew cream for a less tropical flavor in the gravy
- green lentils → canned chickpeas mashed to a similar consistency for a different flavor and texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Making the meatball mixture too wet which causes them to fall apart during browning in the pan
- Cooking the gravy on too high heat which causes the coconut milk to separate and become greasy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 17g protein, 52g carbs, 16g fat, 9g fiber.
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