Potato and Meat Pudding

Potato and Meat Pudding Recipe from Moldova | Ingredients: potatoes, flour, eggs, butter, milk, salt, and vegetable oil

Region / culture: Moldova | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Potato and Meat Pudding is a comforting and hearty dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with a savory meat filling. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Potato and Meat Pudding has its origins in traditional European cuisine, where potatoes and meat are staple ingredients. This dish has been passed down through generations and has evolved over time to include different variations and flavors.

Ingredients

1.75 lb / 750 g potatoes
1 tbsp flour
3 eggs, separated
1 tbsp butter
1 cup milk
salt

meat filling

onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp vegetable oil
ground meat (quantity is up to you)
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Peel the potatoes, boil them, and crush them with a potato press.
Place the crushed potatoes in a bowl.
Add warm butter, salt, milk, and mix well.
Then add flour, yolks, and whipped egg whites at the end.
Place half of this mixture in a buttered and bread crumbed pudding mold.
Next, add the meat filling and finally the other half of the mixture.
Dot with butter, sprinkle bread crumbs on top, and bake until brownish.
Serve warm.

meat filling

Fry finely chopped onion in vegetable oil until it turns yellow.
Add the ground meat, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
Cook for 20 minutes.

Variations

Try adding different herbs and spices to the meat filling for a unique flavor profile.
Substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or beans for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to boil the potatoes until they are soft and easily mashable.

- Whipping the egg whites separately and folding them into the potato mixture will give the pudding a light and fluffy texture.

- Be generous with the seasoning to enhance the flavors of the dish.

- Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

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

- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling, mashing, and baking are the main cooking techniques used in this recipe.

- Frying the onion and meat filling adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use sweet potatoes or cauliflower in place of regular potatoes for a different twist on the recipe.

- Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Potato and Meat Pudding ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.

- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Potato and Meat Pudding directly from the pudding mold for a rustic presentation. - Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or grated cheese for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Potato and Meat Pudding with a glass of red wine or a light beer for a delicious combination.

- A side of crusty bread or dinner rolls would complement the dish well.

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 before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- The calorie content of Potato and Meat Pudding will vary depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

- Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.

- The flour used in the recipe also contributes to the carbohydrate content of the dish.

Fats

- Butter and vegetable oil are sources of fats in this recipe.

- These fats add richness and flavor to the dish.

Proteins

- The ground meat used in the filling is a good source of protein.

- Eggs also contribute to the protein content of the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins.

- Onions provide antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin C and B vitamins.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, dairy (butter and milk), and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Potato and Meat Pudding is a balanced dish that provides carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

- It is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as a main course.

Summary

Potato and Meat Pudding is a classic dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with a savory meat filling. This comforting and hearty meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a satisfying and delicious option for any meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a formidable woman, with a wealth of knowledge when it came to the culinary arts. I would spend hours in her kitchen, watching her work her magic with pots and pans, creating delicious meals that would fill the house with mouth-watering aromas.

One day, as I was helping her prepare dinner, she pulled out an old recipe book from the back of her pantry. It was filled with yellowed pages and handwritten notes, a treasure trove of family recipes that had been passed down through the generations. As she flipped through the pages, she came across a recipe for Potato and Meat Pudding that caught her eye.

I watched as she gathered the ingredients – potatoes, ground beef, onions, and a handful of herbs and spices. She explained each step of the recipe to me, showing me how to peel and slice the potatoes, brown the ground beef, and layer everything together in a baking dish. As the pudding baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, I knew I had stumbled upon something special.

When the pudding was finally ready, we sat down to eat, the warm and comforting dish filling our bellies and our hearts. It was a simple yet satisfying meal, one that I knew I would want to make again and again.

Over the years, I have made the Potato and Meat Pudding countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have added extra garlic for a punch of flavor, swapped out the ground beef for ground turkey for a healthier twist, and experimented with different herbs and spices to create new and exciting variations.

But no matter how I choose to make it, the recipe always brings me back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, watching her work her magic and learning the art of cooking from a true master. The Potato and Meat Pudding has become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I am proud to serve to my own family and friends.

As I sit here now, flipping through the pages of my own recipe book, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and wisdom that my grandmother passed down to me. Her recipes may have come from various places and people over the years, but they all share one common thread – a love of good food and the joy of sharing it with those we hold dear.

And so, as I continue to cook and create in my own kitchen, I do so with my grandmother's spirit by my side, guiding me and inspiring me to always put love and care into everything I make. The Potato and Meat Pudding will forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of where I come from and the rich culinary heritage that I am proud to carry on.