Meat Cake

Meat loaf with delicious filling – An innovative recipe for festive meals

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 70 minutes
Total time: 100 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

The meat loaf is a savory dish that blends tradition with innovation, making it perfect for holiday meals or gatherings with family and friends. This wonderful recipe promises not only a perfect taste but also a satisfying culinary experience. Get ready to discover step by step how to make this tasty meat loaf!

Ingredients

For the loaf:
- 600 g chicken breast (for the outer layer)
- 400 g chicken breast (for the filling)
- 150 g chicken liver
- 100 g cheese
- 100 g ham
- 14 slices of pressed ham (for the filling)
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 1 bunch of green garlic
- breadcrumbs (to bind the filling)
- salt, pepper, paprika (for seasoning)
- olive oil (for greasing)
- fresh thyme (for decoration)

For the glaze:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of milk

Instructions

1. Preparing the tray
Start by lining a loaf pan with aluminum foil or baking paper, ensuring the edges of the foil are raised to facilitate the removal of the loaf. Generously grease the inside with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Preparing the chicken breast
Cut the 600 g of chicken breast into large strips and gently pound them with a meat mallet, being careful not to thin them out too much. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then refrigerate.

3. Cooking the liver
Boil the chicken liver in salted water for 10-15 minutes, then drain well and let it cool. Once cooled, chop it finely.

4. Preparing the ham
Cut the ham into very small cubes or chop it finely. This will add a savory flavor to the filling.

5. Preparing the filling
From the remaining 400 g of chicken breast, divide it in two. Process half in a food processor until it becomes a paste, while the other half is cut into small cubes.

6. Cooking the onion
In a skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the white part of the chopped onion until soft. Add the chicken breast cubes and season with salt and pepper, cooking until the chicken is lightly browned and the liquid has evaporated. Let it cool, then chop the mixture, but not too finely.

7. Mixing the filling
In a large bowl, combine the chicken mixture with the onion, chopped chicken breast, liver, ham, grated cheese, eggs, parsley, garlic, and green onion tops. Season with salt, pepper, and start mixing well. Add 2-3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs to achieve a denser consistency; if the mixture is too soft, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs.

8. Filling the ham slices
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of the prepared filling with a little paprika. Then, on 12 slices of ham, place a small amount of this filling shaped into sticks. The other 2 slices of ham are filled with the mixture mixed with paprika.

9. Assembling the loaf
Remove the chicken strips from the refrigerator and place 2/3 of the amount on the bottom and sides of the tray. Then, add a thin layer of filling on all sides, followed by the filled ham slices, creating a small flower pattern. Cover everything with the remaining filling, leveling and pressing gently.

10. Closing the loaf
Use the remaining chicken breast to cover the filling well. Cover the tray with aluminum foil, then place it in a larger tray filled with water halfway, to create a steaming effect during baking.

11. Baking
Preheat the oven to medium heat and place the tray with the loaf inside. Bake for 60-70 minutes. Check the loaf from time to time to ensure it doesn't brown too much.

12. Finishing
After baking time, remove the tray from the oven and let the loaf cool slightly. Remove the foil and transfer the loaf to another tray lined with baking paper, drizzled with olive oil.

13. Glazing
Beat the egg with the milk and brush the surface of the loaf. Sprinkle some thyme leaves on top for an attractive appearance and pleasant aroma.

14. Final browning
Place the loaf back in the oven, this time at high heat, for 8-10 minutes, until you achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

15. Serving
Once the loaf has cooled, cut it into generous slices and serve it alongside delicious sauces or fresh vegetables. It is perfect for enjoying both warm and cold!

Useful tips:
- Ingredients: Choose fresh, quality meat to achieve a juicy loaf. If you want to reduce calories, you can replace the ham with turkey or chicken.
- Variations: Experiment with other fillings, such as sautéed mushrooms or feta cheese, to add a personal twist to the recipe. You can also add spices like oregano or basil to enhance the flavor.
- Frequently asked questions:
- How long can the loaf be kept? It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and to maintain its freshness, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
- What can it be paired with? This loaf pairs perfectly with fresh salads or a yogurt sauce with dill.

Nutritional benefits
The meat loaf is an excellent source of protein due to its high meat content. Additionally, the added vegetables contribute to the intake of vitamins and minerals. At least one serving of the loaf provides approximately 300-400 kcal, depending on the ingredients used.

Now that you have discovered the secret of this meat loaf, feel free to prepare it for your next family gathering or festive dinner. Enjoy your meal!