Looking for a comforting Scandinavian recipe with a vegetarian twist? These vegetarian Norwegian meatballs, inspired by traditional kjøttkaker, are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners. Made with wholesome ingredients and served with rich gravy and roasted vegetables, this dish brings the taste of Norway to your table.
VEGETARIAN NORWEGIAN MEATBALLS
Serves 6
Instructions
Roasted Vegetables
- 1 pound medium carrots, peeled
- 1 pound brussels sprouts, cleaned and trimmed
- 1 pound new potatoes, cleaned
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt & pepper
Vegetarian Meatballs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, cleaned and chopped
- Salt & pepper
- ¼ cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats, divided into ¾ cup + ¾ cup
- Cannellini beans (14 oz. can), drained and rinsed
- 1 egg,
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
Gravy
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Roast Vegetables – Combine cleaned carrots, brussels sprouts, new potatoes, olive oil, butter, minced garlic, salt & pepper, and water in a large baking dish. Roast in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes or until golden, tender, and water has evaporated.
2. Prepare Meatball Mixture – Heat olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan. Add mushrooms and season with salt. Saute until tender and golden brown, about 5 minutes.Saute garlic and chopped mushrooms until tender. Add onion to mushrooms and cook stirring often until onion is translucent. Add garlic and saute for 1 more minute. Transfer mushroom mixture to a mixing bowl.
3. Form Meatballs – Place first portion of oats in a food processor. Pulse until the oats are finely ground. Add beans and pulse a few times just to break beans into small pieces. Transfer ground oats and beans to the mushroom mixture. Add second portion of oats, egg, Panko, and salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix together. Form into 1” balls.
4. Cook Meatballs – Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil and then vegetarian meatballs to heated oil. Cook meatballs on all sides until light golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Set meatballs aside and return pan to heat.
5. Make Gravy – Melt butter in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and saute for 1 minute. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add vegetable broth, whisking after each addition. Stir in sour cream. Add dried rosemary and salt and pepper to taste. Cook and stir over low heat until thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the meatballs, and continue cooking until meatballs are heated through.
These vegetarian Norwegian meatballs are a flavorful and satisfying alternative to the classic kjøttkaker. Whether you’re hosting a Nordic-themed dinner or simply looking for new vegetarian comfort food recipes, this dish is sure to impress.
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