Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish that is loved for its hearty and satisfying flavors. This recipe serves 4 people and features a delicious blend of minced beef, bulgur wheat, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. The meatloaf is seasoned with horseradish sauce, tomato purée, and fresh thyme, giving it a savory and robust taste. Served with a tangy horseradish sauce and sour cream relish, this meatloaf is a complete and delicious meal. Whether enjoyed with fresh vegetables or as a sandwich filling, meatloaf is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and flavorful dish.

INGREDIENTS:

For the meatloaf:

• 25g/1oz butter
• 450g/1lb minced beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 50g/2oz bulgur wheat, soaked
• 25g/1oz Parmesan cheese
• 1 celery stick, trimmed and sliced
• 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 2 tablespoons instant oatmeal
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the relish:

• 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
• 150ml/5fl oz sour cream

PREPARATIONS:

1. Grease and line the bottom of a 700g/1 1⁄2lb loaf tin. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4.
2. Melt the butter in a large pan and add the minced beef, chopped onion, and crushed garlic. Sauté the mixture, stirring, for 7 minutes until the meat is browned and sealed.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to a bowl and add the soaked bulgur wheat, grated Parmesan cheese, sliced celery stick, horseradish sauce, tomato purée, instant oatmeal, and chopped fresh thyme leaves. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Spoon the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf tin and cover it with foil.
5. Place the loaf tin in a roasting tin and add about 2.5cm/1in of water to the roasting tin.
6. Carefully place the roasting tin with the meatloaf in the preheated oven and cook for 1 1⁄2 hours.
7. While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the relish by mixing together the horseradish sauce and sour cream in a bowl.
8. After the cooking time, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Turn out the meatloaf from the tin and garnish it with fresh thyme leaves.
9. Serve the meatloaf with fresh vegetables and the horseradish sauce and sour cream relish as a condiment.

YIELD: Serves 4

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Soak the bulgur wheat according to package instructions before adding it to the meat mixture.
• Adjust the seasoning and spice level of the meatloaf by adding more or less horseradish sauce according to your taste preference.

TIPS:

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
• Leftover meatloaf makes a great filling for sandwiches the next day. Simply slice it and layer it on your favorite bread with additional condiments and veggies.

In conclusion, meatloaf is a timeless and comforting dish that is perfect for a satisfying meal. This recipe allows you to create a delicious meatloaf with the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The combination of minced beef, bulgur wheat, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs results in a moist and flavorful meatloaf. The addition of horseradish sauce and tomato purée adds depth and tanginess to the dish, while the fresh thyme provides a delightful herbal note.

Served with a tangy horseradish sauce and sour cream relish, this meatloaf becomes a complete and delicious meal. The relish adds a creamy and zesty element that complements the rich flavors of the meatloaf.

Whether enjoyed with fresh vegetables or used as a filling for sandwiches, meatloaf is a versatile dish that offers comfort and satisfaction. The leftovers can be easily enjoyed the next day, making it a convenient option for meal planning.

By following the provided instructions, you can create a flavorful and tender meatloaf that will delight your taste buds. The combination of ingredients and the tangy relish create a perfect harmony of flavors.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and delicious meatloaf. It’s a classic dish that will surely please your family and friends.