SWEDISH MEATBALLS AND TURKEY

When you hear about Sweden, Swedish meatballs -or köttbullar- are the first thing that pops into your mind, which are the best-known dishes of the country. But there is little information about where it comes from. In 2018, the Swedish government made a statement saying that Turkey has a big share in its recipe.

The Swedish Government’s official Twitter account “sweden.se” wrote that the country’s world-famous meatballs belonged to the Turks. This is what was written in the post:

“Swedish meatballs are based on the recipe that King Karl 12 brought home from Turkey. Let’s stick to the facts.”

When King Charles 12 of Sweden lost the war against Russia, he fled to Ottoman lands as a refugee and lived in Bender, Moldova for nearly five years. When the King decided to return to his homeland, he brought meatballs and cabbage rolls and coffee with him.

The days he lived in Turkey, King Charles 12 of Sweden started to be known as ‘Demirbaş Şarl (Fixed Asset Charles)’, due to the fact that he asked for asylum for several weeks but stayed for five years. And his asylum in Turkey was the scene of an attempt to gain popularity in his country.

During his travels in Turkey, King Charles XII had the opportunity to taste a dish made with ground meat and spices, which he found particularly delicious. Upon his return to Sweden, he instructed his chef to recreate the recipe, and the result was the humble meatball.

Initially, meatballs were considered a delicacy and only served in royal households and high-end restaurants. However, their popularity soon spread throughout the country, and they became a staple in Swedish cuisine.

Today, meatballs are a beloved dish in Sweden and are often served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and gravy. They are enjoyed both at home and in restaurants and can even be found in the frozen food section of supermarkets.

It’s fascinating to think that a dish that has become so synonymous with Swedish culture was introduced to the country by one of its most celebrated monarchs. King Charles XII’s legacy may be primarily tied to his military accomplishments, but his contribution to Swedish cuisine is undoubtedly worth remembering as well.