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.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026

15

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

470

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Lamb & apricot meatballs

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 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

  1. 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 minutes
    Keep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.
  2. 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 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
  3. 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 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Turkish recipe for Lamb & apricot meatballs is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Swedish cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

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:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

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

Serving size1 serving
Calories470kcal
Total Fat21g
Sodium633mg
Total Carbohydrates52g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein56g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineSwedish
CategoryDinner
CountrySweden