Lightened-Up Swedish Meatball Bowl

Prep Time 25 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 45 mins

Cuisine: American, Swedish

Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Dietary: Barley, Carrots, Cucumbers, Flours + Cereals, Grains, Onions, Peas, Pickled + Preserved, Pickled Cucumbers, Pickled Red Onion, Turkey, Vegetables, Roots + Plant Forward

Description

A modern Nordic bowl with classic flavors—creamy dill meatballs, whole grain rice, and bright summery vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Swedish Meatballs

1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
1 egg
¼ cup plain Skyr or Greek yogurt
½ cup panko or oat breadcrumbs
½ small onion, grated or finely chopped
½ tsp allspice
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil for browning

For the Light Dill Cream Sauce

1 tbsp butter or olive oil
1 tbsp flour
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup plain Skyr or light sour cream
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: dash of Dijon mustard

For the Bowl

1 ½ cups cooked whole grain rice, farro, or barley
1 cup steamed peas
1 cup steamed diced carrots

For the Pickled Cucumber Salad

1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

Quick Pickled Red Onions

½ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup vinegar (white or red wine)
1 tsp maple syrup or sugar
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Make the Pickles (First!)

1
In two small bowls, combine ingredients for cucumber salad and red onion pickles separately. Let sit at least 20 minutes to lightly pickle.

2. Prepare Meatballs

2
Mix all meatball ingredients until just combined. Roll into small balls.
3
Heat oil in a skillet and brown meatballs on all sides (6–8 minutes). Transfer to plate.

3. Make the Sauce

4
In the same pan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in broth and bring to simmer.
5
Reduce heat, stir in Skyr, dill, and mustard. Return meatballs to pan and simmer 8–10 minutes until cooked through.

4. Steam Veggies

6
While meatballs simmer, steam peas and carrots until tender.

5. Assemble Bowls

7
Scoop grain base into each bowl. Top with meatballs and sauce, peas, and carrots. Garnish with cucumber salad and red onions.

Note

Swede Dish Tips

Make extra pickled cucumbers—great on sandwiches or toast
Swap turkey for lentil or mushroom-based meatballs for a plant-based twist
Add a soft-boiled egg or rye crispbread on the side for bonus fika vibes