Homemade Vegan Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy: IKEA-Style & Dairy-Free

il y a 3 semaines

Craving the classic comfort of Swedish meatballs but looking for a delicious plant-based alternative? You've come to the right place! This recipe delivers a hearty, budget-friendly meal that captures that beloved IKEA-style flavor, complete with a rich, creamy, and entirely dairy-free gravy. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests with a satisfying vegan dish.

Our recipe addresses a common challenge with store-bought plant-based meatballs: enjoying them on their own. As one reviewer noted, "The taste of these is ok, but for the price, it's a good-sized bag. I tried the meat balls on their own, and they weren't too good. I would recommend paring the meatballs with a sauce or gravy." This recipe ensures your meatballs are perfectly complemented by a luscious gravy, transforming them into an incredibly flavorful experience.

Whether you're new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this easy-to-follow guide will help you create a meal that's both nostalgic and exciting. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure plant-based comfort!

Vegan Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Mashed Potatoes

What You'll Need

Here's everything you'll need to make these delicious homemade vegan Swedish meatballs and gravy.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

Vegan meatballs (from Bianca Zapatka's recipe, or a store-bought variety)
Olive oil for frying

For the Creamy Gravy:

2 tbsp vegan butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative for a gluten-free option)
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup plant milk (such as unsweetened almond milk or soy milk)
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
1 tsp dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredients for Vegan Swedish Meatballs and Gravy

Equipment:

Large skillet or frying pan
Whisk
Saucepan

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bring your homemade vegan Swedish meatballs to life!

Prepare the Meatballs: If making homemade vegan meatballs (like those from Bianca Zapatka's recipe), prepare them according to the instructions. If using store-bought, ensure they are thawed if frozen.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the vegan meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and heated through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Start the Gravy: In the same skillet (or a separate saucepan), melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
Make the Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a thick paste forms (this is your roux).
Build the Gravy: Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly.
Add Flavor: Stir in the plant milk, soy sauce (or tamari), and dijon mustard. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
Season: Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve: Return the cooked meatballs to the gravy and toss to coat. Serve hot with your favorite accompaniments.

Creamy Vegan Gravy for Swedish Meatballs

Variations & Adaptations

This versatile recipe can be customized to fit your taste and dietary needs:

Gluten-Free Gravy: Ensure you use a gluten-free all-purpose flour and tamari instead of soy sauce. Most store-bought vegan meatballs are already gluten-free, but always double-check the label.
Mushroom Gravy: For an extra layer of umami, sauté finely diced mushrooms (like cremini or shiitake mushrooms) before making the roux.
Add Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh or dried parsley, dill, or a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile of the gravy.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika to the gravy for a subtle kick.
Serving Suggestions: Traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce, these meatballs are also excellent with pasta, rice, or even tucked into a sandwich.

Cooked Vegan Swedish Meatballs

Tips & Hacks for Perfect Vegan Swedish Meatballs

Meatball Texture: If making your own meatballs, ensure your mixture isn't too wet or dry. A good binder, like ground flaxseed or breadcrumbs, is crucial for holding their shape.
Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, gradually whisk in more vegetable broth or plant milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes, stirring, or make a small slurry of cornstarch and water and whisk it in.
Make Ahead: Both the meatballs and the gravy can be prepared in advance. Store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the gravy if needed.
Cost-Effective Cooking: Opting for store-bought vegan meatballs in larger, budget-friendly bags (as noted by our original reviewer) can make this a very economical meal. Pair them with simple, affordable ingredients for the gravy.

Looking for more delicious vegan meal inspiration? Explore these other amazing recipes from abillion: