Lamb & apricot meatballs
Discover this authentic Swedish Lamb & apricot meatballs recipe — a satisfying weeknight dish that's an impressive dish that showcases your cooking skills. Made with olive oil, red onions, garlic and 9 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 3 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this swedish classic is sure to impress.
15
Prep Time (min)
30
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
470
Calories/serving
Hard
Difficulty

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 chopped Red Onions
- 4 Cloves Crushed Garlic
- 2 tsp Ground Cumin
- 2 tsp Ground Coriander
- 400 g Tinned Tomatos
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 10 g Mint
- 500 g Lamb Mince
- 8 Dried Apricots
- 50 g Breadcrumbs
- To serve Pita Bread
Instructions
3 steps · ~26 minutes total
Step 1
Heat 2 tsp oil in a pan and soften the onions for 5 mins. Add the garlic and spices and cook for a few mins more. Spoon half the onion mixture into a bowl and set aside to cool. Add the tomatoes, sugar and seasoning to the remaining onions in the pan and simmer for about 10 mins until reduced.
15 minutesKeep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.Step 2
Meanwhile, add the mint, lamb, apricots and breadcrumbs to the cooled onions, season and mix well with your hands. Shape into little meatballs.
3 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.Step 3
Heat the rest of the oil in a non-stick pan and fry the meatballs until golden (in batches if you need to). Stir in the sauce with a splash of water and gently cook everything for a few mins until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve with pitta bread and salad.
8 minutesTest the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your swedish meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Lamb & apricot meatballs is a beloved dish from Swedish cuisine, originating in Sweden. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Swedish cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.
This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the best flavor and tenderness, use ground lamb that is fresh and preferably grass-fed. This will enhance the overall taste of your Swedish Lamb & apricot meatballs.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.





