This '60s Dinner Party Food Beloved By Boomers Is Still Popular Today

When we think of food from the 1960s, our associations might not always be super positive. This was the era of the Jell-O mold, after all, with chunks of meat or vegetables suspended in a mound of gelatin — not the most appetizing image by today's standards. But despite the decade's stomach-turning reputation, the '60s showcased some delicious bites that we are still enjoying today. And one food you'll definitely remember if you grew up in the '60s is the Swedish meatball. 

Once a staple of dinner parties thanks in part to a '50s and '60s American fascination with all things Nordic, today the Swedish meatball is perhaps most associated with IKEA's dining area for many Americans (and did you know that IKEA has shared its famous Swedish meatball recipe?). You may know what they taste like, but what exactly are they? Also known as köttbullar, Swedish meatballs are balls made of meat prepared in a way that is native to Sweden — although, in point of fact, the recipe may have actually originated in the Ottoman Empire. It seems that Swedish King Charles XII visited the region in the 18th century and liked the recipe so much that he brought it back to his native Sweden. From there it flourished into an unofficial national dish of Sweden, and a popular choice all over the world. 

To get more specific, Swedish meatballs are often made with ground beef and pork, but veal can also be included. Keep in mind that there is a lot of variability with this dish, so you can use chicken and turkey if you want a lighter option, and there are even some vegan recipes available that use a plant-based ground beef substitute . However you choose to make them, Swedish meatballs are usually on the small side — around one inch in diameter, to be specific. 

And if you've been wondering about the difference between Italian and Swedish meatballs, one of the key differences is what accompanies them. Instead of a tomato sauce, Swedish meatballs are typically mixed together with a white, creamy gravy made with broth and sour cream. From here, they are served alongside mashed potatoes as well as lingonberry jam. And what exactly are lingonberries? They are a small, red, tart fruit that come from evergreen bushes that can be found in Sweden. They are somewhat similar in taste to cranberries, and in fact, they come from related plants. The slight sourness of the jam pairs well with the creamy mashed potatoes and savory meatballs, making for a flavorful and well-rounded dish.