IKEA created a recipe for its iconic Swedish meatballs so you can make them without leaving home

The hidden treasure inside every IKEA store is none other than a restaurant. The Swedish furniture chain proudly boasts its own cafeteria, which serves a range of foods inspired by its home country. Popular items on the menu include the braised pork shank and the shrimp sandwich, which take $8.99 and $4.49 out of your wallet, respectively.

But the hidden gem is, without a doubt, those iconic Swedish meatballs. Eight come on a plate along with two sides for the low-price of $5.99. And the dish is so well-loved that people have been known to go to IKEA just for the meatballs (and not to pile up their carts with home goods they never knew they needed).

If this description alone is making you miss your Swedish meatball fix, there is some good news to share. IKEA's U.K. business recently released a version of the iconic dish that you can recreate in the comfort and safety of your own home. The meatballs combine both ground beef and pork, also known as mince, and the accompanying sauce includes a dash of soy sauce. 

IKEA isn't the only major brand to release one of its top-secret recipes as loyal fans have found themselves suddenly at home. Chipotle recently shared its guacamole recipe, while DoubleTree published its chocolate chip cookie recipe.

After you've tried making this recipe at home, tell us about the experience by leaving a comment in the box below this story. And don't forget to check out all of our offerings at Salon Food for more inspired recipes to make at home this week for dinner.

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Recipe: IKEA Meatballs

Serves 4

Meatball Ingredients:

• 1.1 pound of beef mince
• 0.6 pound of pork mince
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic (crushed or minced)
• 3.5 ounces of breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 5 tablespoons of whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cream Sauce Ingredients:

• Dash of oil
• 8 teaspoons of butter
• 8 teaspoons of plain flour
• 5 ounces of vegetable stock
• 5 ounces of beef stock
• 5 ounces of thick double cream
• 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon

Instructions:

1. Combine beef and pork mince (ground beef and pork) and mix with your fingers to break up any lumps. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg and mix. Add milk and season well with salt and pepper.
2. Shape mixture into small, round balls. Place on a clean plate, cover and store in the fridge for two hours (this will help them hold their shape whilst cooking).
3. In a frying pan, heat oil on medium heat. When hot, gently add meatballs and brown on all sides.
4. When browned, add to an ovenproof dish and cover. Place in a hot oven and cook for a further 30 minutes.
5. Melt 40g butter in a pan. Whisk in 40g of plain flour and stir for 2 mins. Add 150ml of veg stock and 150 ml of beef stock and continue to stir. Add 150 ml double cream, 2 tsp of soy sauce and 1 tsp of Dijon mustard. Bring it to a simmer and allow the sauce to thicken.
6. When ready to eat, serve with your favorite potatoes — either creamy mash or mini new boiled potatoes. Enjoy!