Nilgai Swedish Meatballs
Nilgai Recipe
1Setup & Prepare
About This Recipe
Nordic-style spiced nilgai-pork meatballs in cream gravy with lingonberries—Swedish comfort food classic.
Cultural Context
(140 words) Swedish meatballs, the iconic Nordic dish of spiced meatballs in cream sauce, represents Scandinavian comfort food at its most beloved. Traditionally made with beef and pork, the meatballs feature warming spices—allspice, nutmeg—and rich cream gravy. Nilgai creates exceptional Swedish meatballs—the lean meat accepts spicing beautifully while added pork provides moisture. This preparation demonstrates nilgai's versatility beyond Indian and Texas preparations, proving it adapts to any culinary tradition. The dish has appeared at wild game dinners and Nordic-influenced gatherings, converting diners with its familiar format and superior flavor. Nilgai Swedish meatballs prove exotic game can embrace global cuisines, creating bridges between hunting tradition and international cooking. Served with lingonberries and egg noodles, they deliver comfort food excellence while showcasing sustainable wild protein.
2Ingredients
Shopping List
3Cooking Instructions
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes. Squeeze out excess milk.
- Combine soaked breadcrumbs, ground nilgai, pork, egg, onion, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form into 1-inch meatballs (about 40 total).
- Heat butter in large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, turning to color all sides. They don't need to be cooked through. Remove to plate.
- For gravy: melt butter in same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in beef stock, stirring until smooth. Add cream, soy sauce, and mustard.
- Return meatballs to pan. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and gravy has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper.
- Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes with lingonberry jam and fresh dill.
4Chef's Notes & Pairings
Chef's Notes
- Ground pork adds essential fat to lean nilgai—don't use all nilgai.
- Allspice and nutmeg are signature Swedish seasonings—don't omit.
- White pepper maintains traditional pale color of sauce.
- Lingonberry jam's tart sweetness is essential counterpoint to rich gravy.
- Make meatballs uniform size for even cooking.
Wine Pairing
Swedish Beer or Beaujolais – Cold Swedish lager is traditional, or try fruity Beaujolais.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving) Calories: 525 | Protein: 38g | Fat: 34g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Iron: 5.2mg
