We made this comfort food classic based on a recipe in simplyrecipes.com.  It took about 90 minutes and made 20 1.25 inch meatballs, which would be 4-5 servings.  We enjoyed it with mashed potatoes and buttered carrots.

For the meatballs

2 cups ½-inch white bread cubes (approx. 3 slices)

¼ cup whole milk

4 Tbs. salted butter, divided

½ large yellow onion, grated through large holes of a grater

1 large egg

¾ lb. ground beef (used 80% lean)

½ lb. ground pork

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

½ tsp. freshly ground nutmeg

½ tsp. ground cardamom

For the sauce

3 Tbs. salted butter

3 Tbs. all-purpose flour

2 cups beef stock

¼ cup sour cream (full fat)

1-2 Tbs. lingonberry or similar jam, to taste (Optional – I used 1 Tbs. cherry jam)

Salt and pepper to taste

Soak the bread cubes in the milk for 5 minutes.  Shred the softened bread using 2 forks or a food processor.

While the bread is soaking, heat 1 tbs. of butter in a smallish skillet.  Add the grated onion and cook until translucent about 3 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.

In a large bowl combine the shredded bread, sauteed onions, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg and cardamom.  Mix well.  Add the ground beef and pork and mix into a uniform mass.  Using a 1.25-inch baller, portion the meat mixture into about 20 balls.  Roll each ball in your hands to get a good spherical shape.  If time permits, allow the meatballs to chill for 15-30 minutes to firm up before cooking.

Put 3 Tbs. of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  When fully melted and sizzling, add the meatballs in 2 batches, to brown on all sides.  Remove the browned meatballs to a plate.

Wipe out the skillet and add 3 Tbs. of butter to start the sauce..  Heat over medium heat.  When melted add the flour and whisk the butter and flour together.  Whisk the mixture until it turns the color of coffee with milk.  Slowly add the beef broth while whisking constantly.  Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.  Stir in the sour cream and optional jam.  Check the seasoning.  Add the meatballs and let them heat in the sauce as it thickens and slightly reduces.  Check the seasoning again and serve with mashed potatoes or noodles.