Piquant Meat Loaf
Piquant Meat Loaf Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful Dish
Introduction
Piquant Meat Loaf is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe combines ground beef with a tangy tomato-based sauce to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
History
Meatloaf has been a staple in American cuisine for decades, with variations of the dish appearing in cookbooks as far back as the late 19th century. The addition of tangy ingredients like catsup and mustard gives this meatloaf recipe a unique and piquant flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup catsup
- 0.33 cup tomato juice
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs (or equivalent egg mix), beaten
- 0.75 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 tsp prepared mustard
- 1.5 lb (680 g) finely ground beef
Topping
- 0.25 cup catsup
- 0.5 tsp prepared mustard
- 2 tsp brown sugar
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, combine catsup, tomato juice, salt, pepper, eggs, bread crumbs, onions, and mustard.
- Add ground beef and mix thoroughly.
- Press beef mixture into a lightly oiled 9" x 5" loaf pan.
Topping
- In a small bowl, combine topping ingredients.
- Spread the mixture over the top of the raw meat loaf.
- Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
- Drain off the fat and discard.
- Allow the meat loaf to stand for 5 minutes to firm up before slicing.
- Slice the meat loaf into six portions.
Variations
- For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding diced bell peppers or shredded cheese to the meat mixture before baking. You can also experiment with different seasonings in the topping for a unique flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To ensure that your meatloaf stays moist and flavorful, be sure not to overmix the ingredients. Mix the ground beef and other ingredients until just combined to prevent a tough texture. Additionally, allowing the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after baking will help it hold its shape when sliced.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Piquant Meat Loaf with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort food meal. A side salad or roasted vegetables would also complement this dish nicely.
Cooking Techniques
Mixing the meatloaf ingredients until just combined and allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking are key techniques for ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have fresh breadcrumbs on hand, you can use store-bought breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. This is a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights.
Presentation Ideas
Slice the meatloaf and arrange it on a platter with a garnish of fresh parsley or chopped chives for a simple and elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Piquant Meat Loaf pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. A cold beer or a glass of iced tea would also be a refreshing accompaniment.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices of meatloaf on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Piquant Meat Loaf contains approximately 320 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Piquant Meat Loaf contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Piquant Meat Loaf contains approximately 18 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Piquant Meat Loaf contains approximately 24 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Piquant Meat Loaf is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Alergens
This recipe contains eggs and breadcrumbs, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Piquant Meat Loaf is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner.
Summary
Piquant Meat Loaf is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a tangy tomato-based sauce and a moist, tender texture, this meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Piquant Meat Loaf. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that I had collected over the years. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a faded index card with the words "Piquant Meat Loaf" scrawled across it in my grandmother's elegant handwriting.
I had never heard of Piquant Meat Loaf before, but the ingredients listed on the card intrigued me. Ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of spicy mustard. It sounded like a delicious twist on the classic meatloaf recipe that I had been making for years.
Curious to learn more about this mysterious dish, I called up my grandmother and asked her about the recipe. She chuckled and said, "Oh, that old thing! I learned how to make Piquant Meat Loaf from an old friend of mine back in the 1960s. It's been a family favorite ever since."
My grandmother went on to tell me the story of how she came to acquire the recipe. It all started at a potluck dinner party that she attended with her friends. Each guest was asked to bring a dish to share, and my grandmother's friend, Mrs. Jenkins, brought a Piquant Meat Loaf that had everyone raving.
Mrs. Jenkins graciously shared the recipe with my grandmother, who made a few tweaks of her own over the years. She added a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick and experimented with different types of breadcrumbs to enhance the texture of the meatloaf.
After hearing my grandmother's story, I couldn't wait to try making Piquant Meat Loaf for myself. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the directions on the faded index card with care.
I mixed the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard, shaping the mixture into a loaf and placing it in the oven to bake. The savory aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew that I was in for a treat.
When the timer dinged, signaling that the meatloaf was ready, I eagerly pulled it out of the oven. The golden brown crust glistened with juices, and I could hardly wait to take a bite.
As I sliced into the meatloaf, I marveled at how tender and flavorful it looked. The combination of spices and seasonings created a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds with each bite.
I served the Piquant Meat Loaf to my family that evening, and their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites. They lavished me with praise, declaring it the best meatloaf they had ever tasted.
From that day on, Piquant Meat Loaf became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions and family gatherings, always remembering the story of how my grandmother had learned to make it from Mrs. Jenkins all those years ago.
As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day when I stumbled upon the recipe for Piquant Meat Loaf, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. Cooking has always been a source of joy and connection for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this delicious recipe with my loved ones.
And so, the legacy of Piquant Meat Loaf lives on, a testament to the power of good food and cherished memories shared around the dinner table.