Chicken meatloaf

Chicken drob is a traditional culinary specialty that combines the delicate flavors of meat with the freshness of herbs. It is a perfect appetizer for festive meals or to be enjoyed with loved ones, especially during Easter. This recipe has been appreciated by everyone, and I dedicate it with love to Medi, a friend passionate about food. So, let's get to work!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken livers
- 1 kg chicken hearts and gizzards
- 1 chicken breast
- 2 bunches green onions
- 2 bunches dill
- 2 bunches parsley
- 10 eggs
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Bay leaves (2-3 leaves)

Necessary utensils
- Large pot for boiling
- Frying pan for sautéing (optional)
- Wooden cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- 2 loaf pans
- Baking paper
- Hand mixer or whisk (for eggs)

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by placing the chicken livers, hearts, and gizzards in a large pot of water. Add bay leaves and a few peppercorns to flavor the meat while boiling. Let it boil over medium heat for about 20-30 minutes or until the meat is well cooked.

Step 2: Boiling the chicken breast
In a separate pot, add the chicken breast and boil it in salted water until fully cooked. This will add a tender and juicy texture to the drob.

Step 3: Cooling and chopping the meat
Once the meat is boiled, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Use a knife and a cutting board to chop the meat. I recommend not using a food processor, as the drob will have a nicer texture and more intense flavor if the meat is chopped by hand.

Step 4: Preparing the herbs
While the meat cools, wash the herbs (green onions, dill, and parsley) well and chop them finely. They will add a fresh taste and vibrant color to the drob.

Step 5: Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, add all the chopped meats, herbs, beaten eggs (reserve some for brushing), salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands to integrate all the ingredients without turning them into a paste.

Step 6: Preparing the pans
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line the two loaf pans with baking paper. Pour the meat mixture into the pans, smoothing the surface. Brush the top with the remaining egg to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

Step 7: Baking the drob
Place the pans in the preheated oven and let the drob bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the surface is golden and crispy. You can check if it's done by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, the drob is perfectly cooked.

Step 8: Cooling and serving
After the drob is ready, let it cool slightly before removing it from the pan. It can be served warm or cold, being delicious alongside a fresh vegetable salad or with a slightly sour cream.

Useful tips
- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with mushrooms and tofu, keeping the herbs and spices.
- Serving: The drob is delicious served with a beet salad or pickles, adding a pleasant contrast of flavors and textures.
- Storage: You can keep the drob in the fridge for 3-4 days. Wrapped in cling film, it can be frozen for longer.

Nutritional benefits
Chicken drob is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the chicken and eggs. It also contains fiber from the herbs, making it a healthy choice for festive meals. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, due to the fresh ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of meat for drob? Absolutely! You can experiment with pork or beef, although chicken drob remains a popular choice due to its light texture.
- Is drob suitable for vegans? No, as it contains meat and animal products, but you can adapt the recipe to create a vegan version using vegetables and tofu.
- Can it be prepared in advance? Yes, you can prepare the drob a day before serving. The flavors will intensify, and the textures will blend perfectly.

I encourage you to try this chicken drob recipe and share it with your loved ones! Each bite will bring a smile to the faces of those who have the pleasure of enjoying it. Happy holidays, Medi! Wishing you health, joy, and lots of love!