Revealed, the secret of Ikea’s meatballs

Store gives away recipe specially for lockdown

IKEA is almost as famous for its food as its flatpack furniture, and a visit wouldn’t be complete without taking the time to sample its menu.

But the coronavirus lockdown has kept British fans of its most famous dish – Swedish meatballs with a cream sauce – from getting their regular fix.

So more than a month after the Swedish firm closed its British stores, it has released the ‘secret’ recipe.

Happily, most of us are likely to have all the ingredients in the kitchen – or will be able to get them easily.

The recipe comes in the same distinctive, simple style as the assembly instructions for its flatpack furniture.

Fortunately, making the dish is easier than constructing Ikea’s iconic Billy bookcase.

Lorena Lourido, Ikea’s country food manager, said: ‘Some people might be missing our meatballs, which is why we’ve released an at-home alternative. We want to help make everyone’s lives that little bit easier and more enjoyable.’

Several Ikea cafes are still serving food to key workers, while some of its car parks have become drive-through coronavirus testing centres.

Ikea was once forced to pull meatballs from its shops after traces of horsemeat were found in them. It was just one of a number of firms across Europe affected by the horsemeat scandal in 2013. Now the furniture chain is among several high street restaurants to release a secret recipe after customers were forced to go without their favourite fast food. McDonald’s unveiled a step-by-step guide on how to make a sausage and egg McMuffin this month, and yesterday, Pizza Express shared a 12- step recipe to making its popular margherita pizza. As well as the ingredients everyone expects, the chain revealed that a sprinkling of sugar was the secret ingredient in its dough. Nando’s also revealed how fans can recreate one of its favourite dishes at home. The chicken restaurant shared a recipe for its rice bowl.

However, some fans were disappointed that the secrets behind the chain’s popular peri- peri sauce were not included. Instead, fans were advised to buy it ready made from a supermarket.

Make your favourite High Street lunch at home – Pages 30-31 Latest coronavirus video news, views and expert advice at mailplus.co.uk/coronavirus