Macaroni and Meat Pudding

Macaroni and Meat Pudding Recipe from Moldova | Delicious and Savory Dish

Region / culture: Moldova | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Macaroni and Meat Pudding is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the comforting flavors of macaroni, beef, and onions. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Macaroni and Meat Pudding has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. It is a comforting and filling meal that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

0.5 lb / 250 g macaroni
10 oz / 300 g beef sirloin
3 large onions
2 tbsp butter or vegetable oil
salt
pepper
3 eggs
bread crumbs

How to prepare

Boil the macaroni in salted water, then drain and rinse with cold water. Drain again.
Finely chop the onions and fry them in butter until they turn yellowish. Add the ground meat, salt, and pepper. Fry a little more.
Mix the macaroni with the beaten eggs, then add the fried meat. Set the mixture in a baking sheet that has been buttered and bread crumbed.
Bake until it turns brownish. Serve hot, cut into squares.

Variations

Add cheese to the macaroni mixture for a cheesy twist.
Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
Add herbs and spices like oregano or paprika for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the macaroni until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Season the meat mixture well with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

- Make sure to grease and bread crumb the baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Macaroni and Meat Pudding with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta in place of macaroni.

- Substitute ground pork or lamb for the beef.

- Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the macaroni and meat mixture ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the Macaroni and Meat Pudding into squares and serve on a platter garnished with fresh herbs.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Macaroni and Meat Pudding contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Macaroni and Meat Pudding is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the macaroni. Each serving contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is moderate in fats, with each serving containing around 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Macaroni and Meat Pudding is a good source of protein, with each serving providing about 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the beef and eggs.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the macaroni and eggs. It may also contain dairy if butter is used.

Summary

Macaroni and Meat Pudding is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Macaroni and Meat Pudding is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your loved ones.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and scraps of paper, I stumbled upon a worn piece of parchment that caught my eye. The heading read "Macaroni and Meat Pudding," and I knew I had stumbled upon something special.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the ingredients listed on the parchment intrigued me. Ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and a blend of spices all came together to create a hearty and comforting meal. I could almost taste it just reading the recipe.

I sat down at the kitchen table, the parchment spread out in front of me, and began to read through the instructions. It seemed like a simple enough dish to make, but the flavors promised to be complex and satisfying. I knew I had to give it a try.

As I gathered the ingredients and started cooking, memories flooded back to me of my great-grandmother's kitchen. She was a wonderful cook, and she had passed down many of her recipes to my grandmother, who in turn had shared them with me. I felt a connection to my family's past as I stirred the bubbling pot of macaroni and meat pudding on the stove.

The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating. The savory scent of the beef mixed with the tangy tomatoes and fragrant spices made my mouth water. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When the macaroni and meat pudding was finally ready, I scooped myself a generous portion onto a plate and sat down at the table to savor my creation. The first bite was like a revelation. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both familiar and new.

I closed my eyes and savored each mouthful, thinking about the generations of women who had come before me and cooked similar meals in their own kitchens. I felt a sense of pride in carrying on the tradition of creating delicious and comforting food for my family.

As I finished my meal, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. It was a dish that brought me closer to my roots and reminded me of the importance of preserving family traditions.

I carefully folded the parchment and placed it back in the recipe box, knowing that it would be passed down to future generations. I felt a sense of gratitude for my great-grandmother and the legacy of culinary excellence she had left behind.

And so, the recipe for Macaroni and Meat Pudding became a beloved favorite in my household, a dish that connected me to my past and brought me joy in the present. It was a reminder of the power of food to nourish both body and soul, and a testament to the enduring legacy of family recipes.