Serbian Meatloaf

Serbian Meatloaf Recipe - Authentic Dish from Serbia

Region / culture: Serbia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Serbian Meatloaf is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe combines minced beef and pork with savory herbs and spices to create a flavorful and satisfying meatloaf. The addition of bacon adds a smoky and rich flavor to the dish, making it a favorite among meat lovers.

History

Meatloaf is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. While the exact origins of meatloaf are unclear, it is believed to have originated in Europe and made its way to the United States in the 19th century. Serbian Meatloaf, in particular, is a variation of the traditional meatloaf recipe that incorporates flavors and ingredients commonly found in Serbian cuisine.

Ingredients

8 slices of smoked streaky bacon, rindless
2 slices of lean bacon, diced
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
115 g (4 oz) or 2 cups of fresh breadcrumbs
90 ml (6 tbsp) of milk
450 g (1 lb) of lean minced beef
450 g (1 lb) of lean minced pork
2.5 ml (0.5 tsp) of chopped fresh thyme
30 ml (2 tbsp) of chopped fresh parsley
2 beaten eggs
salt and freshly ground black pepper
herby mashed potatoes and carrots, for serving

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F.
Butter a 1.75 liter / 3 pt / 7.5 cup loaf tin with the slices of streaky bacon.
Stretch the slices with the back of a knife, if necessary, to completely fill the tin.
Fry the diced bacon in a large frying pan until almost crisp.
Stir in the onion and garlic and fry for a further 2–3 minutes until they are soft and a pale golden brown.
In a large bowl, soak the bread crumbs in the milk for 5 minutes, or until all the milk is absorbed.
Add the minced meats, bacon, onion, garlic, herbs, and eggs to the breadcrumbs.
Season and mix well.
Spoon the mixture into the loaf tin.
Level the top and cover the tin with foil.
Bake for about 1 hour and a half.
Turn out and serve in slices, with herby mashed potatoes and carrots.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Substitute the minced beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the meatloaf to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to stretch the slices of streaky bacon to completely cover the loaf tin for a beautiful presentation.

- Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk helps to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.

- Be sure to season the meat mixture well with salt and pepper for a flavorful dish.

- Covering the loaf tin with foil while baking helps to keep the meatloaf moist and prevents it from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Serbian Meatloaf with herby mashed potatoes and carrots for a complete and comforting meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the meatloaf in a loaf tin helps to shape and cook the meat evenly. Covering the tin with foil while baking helps to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey bacon instead of smoked streaky bacon for a lighter version of the dish.

- Substitute the fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh herbs are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Serbian Meatloaf can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Simply cover the loaf tin with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the meatloaf and serve on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation. Serve with a side of herby mashed potatoes and carrots for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Serbian Meatloaf with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Serbian Meatloaf can be stored 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

Each serving of Serbian Meatloaf contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Serbian Meatloaf contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Serbian Meatloaf contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Serbian Meatloaf contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Serbian Meatloaf is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and eggs.

Summary

Serbian Meatloaf is a protein-rich dish that is relatively high in fats and calories. It is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Serbian Meatloaf is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe combines minced beef and pork with savory herbs and spices to create a delicious meatloaf that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Serve with herby mashed potatoes and carrots for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Serbian Meatloaf. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a local farmer's market in the town square. As I made my way through the bustling stalls filled with fresh produce and homemade goods, I came across a small stand run by an elderly Serbian woman.

The aroma of grilled meats and spices wafted through the air, drawing me closer to her stand. I couldn't resist the temptation to try some of her traditional Serbian dishes, so I ordered a plate of meatloaf with a side of roasted potatoes and salad.

As I took my first bite of the tender and flavorful meatloaf, I was immediately transported back to my own childhood. Memories of my own grandmother's cooking flooded my mind, reminding me of the love and care she put into each and every meal.

I struck up a conversation with the elderly woman, and she was more than happy to share her recipe for Serbian Meatloaf with me. She explained that the key to the dish was in the mixture of ground beef, pork, and lamb, as well as the combination of spices and herbs that gave it its unique flavor.

I eagerly scribbled down the recipe on a scrap piece of paper, thanking the kind woman for her generosity. Little did I know at the time that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in trying out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and got to work in the kitchen, mixing the ground meats with onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, and a blend of Serbian spices.

As the meatloaf baked in the oven, the delicious aroma filled my home, bringing back memories of that sunny day at the farmer's market. When it was finally ready, I sliced into the tender meatloaf and took a bite, savoring the rich flavors and tender texture.

From that day forward, Serbian Meatloaf became a favorite in my household. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for a cozy Sunday dinner. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a connection to the elderly Serbian woman who had shared her recipe with me, grateful for the way food has the power to bring people together.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own unique touches to make it truly my own. But the heart and soul of the dish remain the same, a tribute to the traditions and flavors of Serbia that I had discovered that fateful day at the farmer's market.

As I sit down to enjoy a slice of Serbian Meatloaf with my family, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the power of food to connect us to our past and bring joy to our present. And I know that this recipe will continue to hold a special place in my heart for many years to come.