Rolled Meat Loaf

Rolled Meat Loaf Recipe from Romania | Ingredients: Bacon, Onions, Eggs, and More

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

Introduction

Rolled Meat Loaf is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. This recipe features ground sirloin mixed with bacon, onions, and seasonings, rolled around hard-boiled eggs for a unique and impressive presentation.

History

The origins of Rolled Meat Loaf can be traced back to Eastern European cuisine, where meat dishes are often rolled and stuffed with various ingredients. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a beloved comfort food for many families.

Ingredients

2 lb (1 kg) ground sirloin
5 oz (150 g) bacon
2 onions
1 slice crustless white bread
1 raw egg
4 hard boiled eggs
salt
pepper
1 tsp chopped parsley and dill
1 tbsp bread crumbs
green lettuce or red beets

How to prepare

Grind the meat with finely chopped raw or lard-fried onions, soaked and squeezed bread, and bacon.
Add salt, pepper, chopped parsley, dill, and raw egg.
Mix everything well.
Roll out a clean wet cloth and place the mixture on it, shaping it into a rectangle with a length three times the width.
Arrange the hard-boiled eggs in a row along the middle of the rectangle.
Start rolling the meat with the help of the cloth, ensuring that the eggs are enclosed within the meat.
Place the rolled meat loaf on a lard-greased baking sheet, brush the top with melted lard, sprinkle bread crumbs on top, and bake for 45 minutes.
Serve by cutting into finger-thick slices, garnished with green lettuce or red beet salad.

Variations

Add grated cheese to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
Use ground pork or a combination of ground meats for a different taste.
Experiment with different seasonings such as garlic, paprika, or herbs.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the onions and bacon to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.

- Soaking the bread in water before adding it to the meat helps keep the loaf moist and tender.

- Use a wet cloth to help shape and roll the meat loaf, ensuring that the hard-boiled eggs are securely enclosed within the meat.

- Brushing the top of the loaf with melted lard before baking adds flavor and helps create a crispy crust.

Serving Suggestions

Rolled Meat Loaf can be served with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the oven before baking the meat loaf to ensure even cooking.

- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the loaf to ensure it is fully cooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute ground beef or turkey for the ground sirloin.

- Use turkey bacon or pancetta instead of regular bacon.

Make Ahead Tips

The meat loaf can be assembled and refrigerated a few hours before baking.

- Leftover meat loaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the sliced meat loaf with fresh herbs or a drizzle of gravy. - Serve the meat loaf on a platter with colorful vegetables for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Rolled Meat Loaf with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover meat loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

- Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rolled Meat Loaf contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rolled Meat Loaf contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rolled Meat Loaf contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Rolled Meat Loaf contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Rolled Meat Loaf is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat (from the bread crumbs), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Rolled Meat Loaf is a protein-rich dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates. It is a good source of essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12.

Summary

Rolled Meat Loaf is a classic dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a flavorful meat mixture rolled around hard-boiled eggs, this dish is both delicious and visually appealing. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a rolled meatloaf, a dish I had never tried before. The recipe was given to me by a dear friend of mine, Mrs. Jenkins. She was a fantastic cook and always had the most delicious recipes to share.

I remember the day she came over to my house with a tray of this rolled meatloaf. The aroma that filled my kitchen was absolutely mouth-watering. Mrs. Jenkins had a twinkle in her eye as she explained how she had learned to make this dish from her own grandmother many years ago.

As she guided me through the process of making the rolled meatloaf, I was fascinated by the way she handled the ground beef mixture with such care and precision. She explained that the key to a perfectly rolled meatloaf was to evenly spread the meat mixture into a thin layer, then carefully roll it up into a tight cylinder.

Mrs. Jenkins shared with me her secret ingredient - a mixture of breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, and herbs that added so much flavor to the meatloaf. She also taught me how to make a simple tomato sauce to drizzle over the top of the rolled meatloaf before baking.

I watched in awe as Mrs. Jenkins expertly rolled the meatloaf and placed it in the oven to bake. The smell that wafted through my kitchen as it cooked was absolutely divine. When the timer finally went off, I eagerly pulled the rolled meatloaf out of the oven and sliced into it.

The flavors were incredible - the seasoning was just right, the meat was juicy and tender, and the tomato sauce added the perfect touch of sweetness. Mrs. Jenkins smiled as I took my first bite, knowing that I had fallen in love with this dish just as she had all those years ago.

From that day on, rolled meatloaf became a staple in my household. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a cozy night in with my husband. Each time I made it, I would think of Mrs. Jenkins and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the rolled meatloaf recipe. Sometimes I would add a layer of cheese before rolling it up, or experiment with different herbs and spices to change up the flavor profile. But no matter how I made it, the rolled meatloaf always brought back memories of that day with Mrs. Jenkins in my kitchen.

I am grateful to have learned this recipe from such a wonderful friend, and to have been able to share it with my own family and friends. Cooking is so much more than just following a recipe - it is about the memories and connections we make along the way. And for me, rolled meatloaf will always hold a special place in my heart.