Recently, I had serious cravings for Ikea-style meatballs during lockdown (of all things one could crave for!). So when the retail giant released their recipe, I had to create my own version. Sadly, I didn’t have all the ingredients so I had to adapt it slightly. 

FOR THE MEATBALLS

I used a delicious pork mince from one of my favourite butchers, Donald Russell.

Makes 16 – 20

• 440g pork mince
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 clove of garlic (crushed or minced)
• 50g breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons of whole milk
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Combine pork mince and mix thoroughly to break up any lumps.
2. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg and mix. 
3. Add milk and season well with salt and pepper.
4. Shape mixture into small, round balls. Place on a clean plate, cover and store in the fridge for 2 hours (to help them hold their shape whilst cooking).

5. In a frying pan, heat oil on medium heat. When hot, gently add your meatballs and brown on all sides.

6. When browned, add to an ovenproof dish and cover. Place in a hot oven (180°C or 160°C fan) and cook for a further 30 minutes.

FOR THE SAUCE

For the sauce, I made a simple white sauce and then added harissa to get that colour.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• salt and pepper to taste
• extra seasoning – harissa, garlic powder or parmesan 

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in the flour.
3. Whisk constantly and cook for about 2 minutes. Do not brown.
4. Gradually stir in milk and continue cooking over low heat, constantly stirring, until sauce begins to thicken.
5. Add the extra seasonings.
6. Cook for 1 minute longer, still stirring constantly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

I served mine with some Idahoan Perfect Mash and buttered spring greens.

Let me know on the comments below what you think of my attempt at creating this ‘fakeaway’ of Ikea-style meatballs?

My other quarantine cooking attempts – Banana Cake, 7 heavenly cocktails at home, Savoury muffins