1. Preheat your oven to 350°F or 180°C.

2. Roast the onions in the oven until they are beautifully caramelized.

3. In a large bowl, combine the roasted onions, crème fraiche (a type of sour cream), fresh thyme, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well and let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Next, add the ground beef to the bowl and mix until just combined – be careful not to overdo it.

5. Divide the mixture into 4-8 portions, depending on the size of meatballs you prefer. Shape each portion into a ball and gently flatten it into a patty.

6. Heat some oil or smör (Swedish butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, which should take about 10 minutes.

7. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside for a moment. Add a splash of water to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits that have stuck to the bottom. If using, add the pan sauce and soy sauce, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste. If you'd like a thicker sauce, now's the time to add some cornstarch.