The following is a vegan Swedish meatball recipe with ingredients that are inexpensive and readily available in the Philippines.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 cup TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) or tokwa (firm tofu), crumbled
1 cup water or vegetable broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or regular)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Gravy:
2 tablespoons vegan butter or margarine
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup coconut milk or soy milk
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
Cooked pasta or mashed potatoes
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
If using TVP, place it in a bowl and pour hot water or vegetable broth over it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until rehydrated. If using tofu, simply crumble it into a bowl.
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rehydrated TVP or crumbled tofu, sautéed onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, dried thyme, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and salt. Mix well until the ingredients are well combined.
Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
In the same pan, heat a bit more oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Gravy:
In the same pan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and stir continuously to form a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth until smooth and no lumps remain.
Add the coconut milk or soy milk, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard (if using). Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble:
Return the meatballs to the pan with the gravy, and gently stir to coat the meatballs in the gravy. Let them simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve the vegan Swedish meatballs over cooked pasta or mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and affordable vegan Swedish meatballs!
