Craving the comforting, classic taste of Swedish meatballs but want to keep it plant-based? You’re in the right place!
Vegan Swedish meatballs bring all the savory, spiced goodness of the traditional dish without any animal products. These little bites of joy are perfect for cozy dinners, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to a hearty, cruelty-free meal.
Made with wholesome ingredients like lentils, mushrooms, and oats, these meatballs are packed with flavor and protein. Plus, the creamy vegan gravy ties everything together beautifully, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, this recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to become a household favorite. Ready to dive into making your own vegan Swedish meatballs?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan Swedish meatball recipe is an absolute winner because it offers the best of both worlds: traditional flavors with a compassionate twist. The combination of lentils and mushrooms creates a meaty texture that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
No weird ingredients or complicated steps—just easy-to-find pantry staples.
Additionally, the creamy gravy is made dairy-free but still luxurious, using cashew cream or coconut milk for richness. It’s also versatile, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, noodles, or even rice.
Plus, these meatballs freeze well, making them ideal for meal prep or quick dinners.
Finally, this recipe is gluten-free adaptable and free from soy, making it friendly for many dietary needs. You’ll enjoy a protein-packed, comforting meal that’s better for you and the planet.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked brown lentils (or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water (flax egg)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for soy-free option
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or vegan butter for frying
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Food processor or blender (optional, for chopping mushrooms finely)
- Frying pan or skillet
- Baking sheet (optional, if baking instead of frying)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for flax egg
- Whisk or fork
- Spatula or tongs
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with water. Stir well and set aside for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
- Cook lentils: If using dry lentils, rinse and cook according to package instructions until tender but not mushy. Drain well and let cool.
- Chop mushrooms: Finely dice mushrooms by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor to achieve a minced texture.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until moisture evaporates and mushrooms are browned, about 7 minutes.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, sautéed mushroom mixture, rolled oats, flax egg, soy sauce, smoked paprika, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined and sticky enough to form balls. If mixture is too wet, add more oats; if too dry, add a splash of water or vegetable broth.
- Form meatballs: Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, shape the mixture into small, golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a plate or tray.
- Cook meatballs: Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook, turning frequently, until browned on all sides and heated through, about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, bake meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Make vegan gravy: While meatballs cook, prepare your vegan gravy using a blend of vegetable broth, cashew cream (or coconut milk), flour or cornstarch for thickening, and seasonings like mustard and soy sauce. For a detailed gravy recipe, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
- Serve: Pour the creamy vegan gravy over the cooked meatballs and enjoy them hot with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the meatball mix. You can also spice it up with a pinch of cayenne for heat.
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute rolled oats with gluten-free oats or almond flour. If you want a soy-free version, replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari labeled soy-free.
For a smoky twist, consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika. If you prefer baking over frying, remember to turn the meatballs halfway through to brown evenly.
Leftovers freeze beautifully—just place cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container and reheat in a skillet or oven when needed. For a quick meal, prepare the meatballs in advance and just make the gravy fresh.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (5 meatballs with gravy) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan Swedish meatballs shine brightest when paired with classic comfort sides. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery vegan egg noodles to soak up all that delicious gravy.
For a lighter option, pair with steamed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad tossed with dill and lemon.
For a Scandinavian-style feast, add lingonberry jam on the side for a sweet-tart contrast. Or try serving the meatballs over cauliflower mash for a low-carb alternative.
If you want to keep it simple, just serve them with crusty bread to mop up every last drop of sauce.
Looking for more hearty vegan meals? Check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas or try our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for vibrant greens on the side.
Conclusion
Vegan Swedish meatballs offer a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, satisfying cravings with a compassionate twist. This recipe delivers on texture, flavor, and ease, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The hearty lentil and mushroom base, combined with warming spices and a luscious gravy, creates a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing.
By choosing plant-based ingredients, you’re not only making a healthier choice for yourself but also contributing to a more sustainable food system. Whether you’re a vegan veteran or just looking to explore new flavors, these meatballs are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Don’t forget to explore more delicious plant-based recipes like our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or the indulgent Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Swedish Meatball Recipe
Description: Delicious plant-based Swedish meatballs made with lentils and oats, served in a creamy vegan gravy. Perfect comfort food that is both hearty and healthy.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked brown lentils
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups vegan mushroom gravy
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix ground flaxseed with water and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- In a bowl, combine lentils, oats, onion, garlic, flax mixture, plant milk, soy sauce, paprika, thyme, and pepper.
- Form mixture into 16 small balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the baked meatballs for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour vegan mushroom gravy over meatballs and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 35 g
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