Bird meatloaf

Bird loaf – a traditional recipe with enticing flavors and delicate textures

Bird loaf is a classic recipe, loved by many, that combines simple ingredients into a refined dish, full of flavor. Over time, this dish has been associated with holidays and festive meals, but it can be enjoyed at any time, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or a special lunch. Here’s how you can successfully prepare it, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken liver (refrigerated)
- 1 kg hearts with gizzards (refrigerated)
- 350 g boneless chicken thighs
- 3 raw eggs
- 2 boiled eggs
- 3 bunches of fresh dill
- 2 bunches of fresh parsley
- 4-5 medium onions
- 100 ml oil
- Chicken Delikat and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by thoroughly washing the gizzards and chicken hearts. This is an essential step to ensure that the loaf will have a clean and fresh taste. Place them in a large pot of hot water and let them boil over medium heat. Be sure to skim off the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear and tasty dish.

2. Adding the liver
Once the gizzards and hearts are almost halfway cooked, add the fresh, washed, and well-drained liver. The liver will add an intense flavor and creamy texture to the loaf. Continue cooking the ingredients until everything is done, about 20 minutes.

3. Cooling and chopping
Once the ingredients are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool. This step is important as it will make chopping easier. Use a food processor to finely chop the gizzards, hearts, liver, and chicken thighs. Make sure to achieve a uniform texture, but not too fine – the loaf should retain some of its original consistency.

4. Preparing the vegetables
Finely chop the onion and the greens (dill and parsley) and add them to the bowl with the minced meat. The onion brings a sweet and aromatic flavor, while the greens enrich the dish with freshness. You can use white or yellow onion, depending on your preference.

5. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the raw eggs, oil, Chicken Delikat, and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients well until they are homogeneous. This mixture will give the loaf consistency and make it easy to shape.

6. Preparing the mold
Grease a loaf pan with oil to prevent sticking. Place a layer of the obtained mixture, then add the boiled eggs cut in half. These will add a touch of color and a delicious taste. Then, place the rest of the mixture on top, ensuring that the eggs are completely covered.

7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Put the loaf in the oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes. Check from time to time, and in the end, the loaf should be well set and slightly browned on top.

8. Cooling and serving
Once the loaf is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the mold for 15 minutes. This will help consolidate the texture. After that, turn it onto a platter and let it cool completely. The loaf can be served warm or cold, sliced generously.

Practical tips:
- Fresh ingredients are essential for a tasty bird loaf. Choose high-quality meat and vegetables.
- For added flavor, you can add some spices like nutmeg or a dash of crushed garlic to the meat mixture.
- Variations of the recipe: You can replace chicken with turkey or add mushrooms for a different texture. You can also experiment with other greens, such as tarragon or basil.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, it is recommended to completely thaw the meat before use to ensure even cooking.

- What is the best way to store the loaf?
You can store the loaf in the refrigerator, well wrapped, for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it within 2 months.

Nutritional benefits:
Bird loaf is an excellent source of protein, vitamins (especially vitamins A and B), and essential minerals. Consuming this dish can contribute to maintaining a balanced diet, especially due to the high content of vegetables and greens.

Serving:
Bird loaf is delicious alongside a fresh vegetable salad or with assorted pickles. It also pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to try this bird loaf recipe! Enjoy every moment of the cooking process and savor the final result, which will surely impress all your loved ones!