Turkish meatloaf

Turkish Drob: A Traditional Delight for Easter Dinner

Drob is an iconic recipe often associated with joy and family gatherings during festive occasions. This wonderful Turkish drob recipe, originating from the Dobrogea region, is a savory combination of lamb organs, pork, and aromatic greens that will bring a touch of tradition and flavor to any event. Get ready for a true culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

- 1 kg ground pork (choose quality meat with a moderate fat content for a juicy texture)
- Organs from one lamb (liver, kidneys, lungs), cleaned and blanched
- 10 eggs (preferably fresh for better flavor)
- 1 large onion (white for a sweeter taste)
- 4 bunches of green onions (for freshness and flavor)
- 4 bunches of ramsons (a wonderful choice for a more intense taste)
- 2 bunches of fresh dill (for a fresh note)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjustable to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for added flavor)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the lamb organs: Start by cleaning the lamb organs and blanching them in boiling water for about 10 minutes. This process helps remove impurities and strong flavors. Once blanched, remove them and let them cool.

2. Sautéing the onion: Peel and dice the onion. In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.

3. Adding the greens: Clean the green onions and ramsons, then chop them finely. Add them to the pan over the sautéed onion and let them combine for a few minutes until tender.

4. Preparing the meat: In another pan, add the ground pork and sauté it until well cooked and it loses moisture. This step will add a rich flavor to the drob.

5. Chopping the organs: Once the organs have cooled, cut them into smaller pieces or use a food processor to chop them finely. You can leave some larger pieces for an interesting texture.

6. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped organs, sautéed pork, the onion and greens mixture, chopped dill, and 8 eggs. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well to combine all ingredients.

7. Preparing for the oven: Beat one egg and brush a baking dish with it, then pour in the drob mixture. On top, add another beaten egg and spread it evenly with your hand.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes on high heat, then reduce the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and let the drob bake for another 15 minutes. It’s done when the center is no longer soft and has a golden crust.

9. Cooling and serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let the drob cool slightly. Once cooled, cut it into diamond or square shapes. It can be served warm or cold, garnished with fresh vegetables or a green salad.

Practical Tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use fresh lamb organs from a trusted supplier to ensure the best flavors.
- Variations: You can add other greens, such as parsley or spinach, for a different taste. A bit of feta cheese can also add a creamy note.
- Serving: Drob pairs perfectly with a beetroot salad or a garlic yogurt sauce. A chilled drink, such as a dry white wine, can beautifully complement the meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Turkish drob is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the pork and lamb organs. Additionally, the greens add essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the proportions of the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I replace the pork with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use beef or even chicken, but the flavor will be different.

- How can I store the drob?
Drob can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the oven or eaten cold.

- Is the drob suitable for vegans?
Unfortunately, the traditional drob recipe with organs is not suitable for vegans, but there are vegan versions that use mushrooms and vegetables to recreate the texture.

In conclusion, Turkish drob brings a touch of tradition and flavor to the Easter table, but it can be enjoyed any day of the year. With a little effort and attention to detail, you will create a delicious dish that will surely impress family and friends. So, embark on this culinary adventure and enjoy every bite!