Vegetarian meatloaf

Vegetarian Drob: A Healthy and Tasty Treat

Vegetarian drob is a delicious and healthy alternative to the well-known meat drob, bringing an explosion of flavors and colors to your table. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a festive meal without sacrificing an animal, as well as for vegetable lovers looking to try a lighter and healthier version. Additionally, vegetarian drob is an excellent option for holidays, parties, or even weekend meals.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 3 medium eggplants
- 1 zucchini
- 250 g champignon mushrooms
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of dill
- 4 green onions
- 4 green garlic stalks
- 6 tablespoons of semolina
- 8 eggs (4 for the vegetable mixture, 3 boiled, 1 beaten)
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste

Preparing the vegetarian drob is a simple yet satisfying process. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by boiling 2 liters of salted water in a large pot. While the water heats up, peel the eggplants, zucchini, and mushrooms, then cut them into small cubes. It’s important for the vegetables to be cut evenly so they cook at the same time. Once the water starts boiling, blanch the vegetables one by one for 3-5 minutes until they become slightly soft. After blanching, drain the vegetables and let them cool slightly, then squeeze out excess water. This step will ensure that the drob is not too moist.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetable mixture
Finely chop the parsley, dill, green onions, and green garlic. These fresh herbs will add a vibrant flavor to your drob. In a large bowl, mix the blanched vegetables with the chopped herbs, 4 raw eggs, and the semolina. The semolina is the secret ingredient that will help bind the drob and give it a pleasant texture.

Step 3: Cooking the eggs
Boil 3 eggs in salted water for 3-4 minutes. These will be the stuffed eggs in the center of the drob. Once boiled, carefully peel them. Beat the 8th egg with a pinch of salt for later use.

Step 4: Assembling the drob
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a loaf pan with baking paper. Put half of the vegetable mixture in the pan, then place the boiled eggs in the center, and cover with the remaining vegetable mixture. Pour the beaten egg on top to create a nice crust.

Step 5: Baking
Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake the drob in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil to allow the drob to brown nicely, and bake for another 30 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the drob is perfect.

Step 6: Serving
Let the drob cool slightly before removing it from the pan. You can serve the vegetarian drob warm, alongside a fresh salad or with yogurt and dill sauce. A delicious option would be to slice it and serve it with a side of grilled vegetables.

Practical tips:
1. Vegetables: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, or bell peppers, depending on your preferences.
2. Semolina: If you want a gluten-free option, you can replace the semolina with almond flour or a gluten-free flour mix.
3. Flavors: Add spices like paprika or cumin for a more intense flavor.
4. Storage: Vegetarian drob keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be enjoyed cold as a snack.

Nutritional benefits:
This vegetarian drob is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber due to the fresh vegetables. The eggs provide complete proteins, while the semolina adds healthy carbohydrates, making this dish a balanced and nutritious meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, the drob is very versatile. You can adapt your recipe based on the season and available vegetables.
2. Is it suitable for vegans?
This recipe contains eggs, but you can use vegan alternatives to bind the mixture, such as lentil or potato puree.
3. How can I enhance the flavor?
You can add dried herbs like oregano or basil, or even a bit of soy sauce for a stronger taste.

In conclusion, vegetarian drob is a simple, healthy, and very tasty recipe, perfect for any meal. It not only brings a breath of diversity to your menu but will surely impress your guests and family. Prepare it with love and enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!