Ikea Veggie Balls Recipe: Easy Homemade Meatless Delight

If you’ve ever wandered through IKEA’s aisles and found yourself irresistibly drawn to their famous veggie balls, you’re not alone.

These delightful morsels offer a perfect balance of savory spices and wholesome ingredients, making them a favorite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

But what if you could recreate that magic right in your own kitchen? This IKEA veggie balls recipe lets you do just that—without the need for a trip to the store.

Using simple, fresh ingredients, you’ll whip up these tender, flavorful balls that are perfect for everything from a quick snack to a centerpiece in your favorite dishes.

What’s even better is that this recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to tweak the flavors and textures to suit your taste. Whether you want to serve them with traditional Swedish lingonberry sauce or get creative with pasta or rice bowls, these veggie balls deliver a comforting, satisfying bite every time.

Ready to bring a taste of IKEA home? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe captures the essence of IKEA’s iconic veggie balls while being completely homemade, fresh, and customizable. You’ll love how easy it is to make, with pantry staples and wholesome vegetables coming together in a blend that’s both hearty and healthy.

Vegetarian-friendly: No meat, no fuss, just pure plant-based goodness that even meat-lovers will appreciate.

Freezer-friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for quick meals during busy weeks.

Flavorful and versatile: Enjoy them with sauces, in wraps, or as a protein-packed snack.

Plus, making your own veggie balls means you can control everything from the seasoning to the texture, ensuring a result that suits your personal preferences perfectly.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Food processor or blender
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Baking sheet (optional, for baking alternative)
• Spatula or tongs
• Whisk (for flax egg)
• Cooling rack or paper towels

Instructions

1. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water. Whisk well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to a gel-like consistency.
2. Pulse the peas and onions: In a food processor, add the cooked peas and chopped onion. Pulse about 5 times until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed.
3. Add rice and oats: Add the cooked brown rice and rolled oats to the food processor. Pulse a few more times to combine evenly. The mixture should start to stick together but still have some texture.
4. Transfer to a bowl: Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, vegetable broth, dried dill, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. Incorporate flax egg and breadcrumbs: Add the thickened flax egg and breadcrumbs to the bowl. Stir until fully combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
6. Shape the balls: Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place them on a tray or plate.
7. Cook the veggie balls: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the veggie balls in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain and rest: Once cooked, transfer the balls to a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Optional baking method: For a lighter version, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and firm.
10. Serve and enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite sauces or sides. Lingonberry jam is a traditional favorite but feel free to experiment!

Tips & Variations

“For extra flavor, try adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture.”

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. For gluten-free versions, swap the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or more oats.

Want to boost the protein? Mix in some cooked lentils or chickpeas before pulsing the ingredients.

If you don’t have a food processor, finely mash the peas and rice with a fork or potato masher and proceed with mixing by hand.

These veggie balls freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.

Reheat in a skillet or oven straight from frozen for a quick meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These veggie balls shine with traditional Swedish accompaniments like lingonberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes. You’ll find they also pair wonderfully with a tangy mustard sauce or vegan gravy.

For a heartier meal, serve them atop cooked pasta or rice with marinara or pesto sauce. They also make excellent protein-packed additions to wraps, salads, or grain bowls.

Looking for inspiration? Check out other recipes like our Bahamian Macaroni And Cheese Recipe: A Tasty Delight for a comforting side, or try pairing them with the fresh flavors of the Baja Chicken Tacos Cheesecake Factory Recipe Copycat Guacamole for a fun fusion twist.

Conclusion

Making IKEA-style veggie balls at home is not only rewarding but also a wonderful way to enjoy a wholesome, plant-based dish bursting with flavor. This recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels and offers plenty of room for customization to suit your palate.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these veggie balls are sure to impress.

With their satisfying texture and aromatic spices, they’re perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or as an exciting appetizer. Plus, they freeze well, making them a convenient staple in your freezer for busy days.

Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on our site like the rich and creamy Baileys Whipped Cream Recipe: A Delicious Topping or the comforting Baiao De Dois Recipe: A Taste of Brazilian Comfort.

Happy cooking and enjoy your homemade veggie balls!