I have been married to a wonderful Christian man since 1976. The Lord has blessed us with two daughters and two sons. I consider each day the Lord gives me on the earth yet another chance to serve Him.

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Sicilian Meatloaf (Polpettone)

This may be my favorite meatloaf recipe.  Some Polpettone recipes call for whole hard boiled eggs in them.   I don't put them in mine, but it's good either way.


SICILIAN MEATLOAF (POLPETTONE)
(serves 8)
Ingredients:
*1 1/2 pounds ground beef
*1/2 pound ground pork
*1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
*1/2 cup carrots, grated (optional)
*1 small red onion
*3 garlic cloves, minced
*1/4 cup fresh flat leaf parsley (chopped) or 1 teaspoon dried parley 
*3/4 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
*1/2 cups parmesan cheese, grated
*2 large eggs
*1/4 cup tomato juice
*1/4 pound prosciutto or a  deli ham, cut thin 
*10 fresh basil leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves)
*1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella, shredded mozzarella, or provolone cheese 
Directions:
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~Place 1 1/2 pounds ground beef and 1/2 pounds ground pork into a large bowl.
~In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup chopped carrots, 1 finely chopped red pepper, 1 small minced (or finely chopped) chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 3/4 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 2 large eggs, and  1/4 cup tomato juice.
~Add to ground beef and pork and mix until combined (do not over mix).
~Place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper on the counter top.
~Place your mix mixture in the center of the wax paper/parchment paper.
~Pat meat mixture evenly into a rectangle about a 1/2-1 inch thick.
~Place 1/4 pound ham in a single layer on top of the meat mixture, leaving a 1-inch border around.
~Now layer or sprinkle 1 1/2 pounds of mozzarella cheese over the ham, leaving a 1-inch border around.
~Time to layer the 10 basil leaves.
~Starting at the short end, roll the meatloaf up (like a jelly roll), using the wax paper/parchment paper to help guide you.  Press down slightly as you do so.
~Seal the ends, so nothing leaks out of the meatloaf.
~Spray a 9X13 inch baking pan or cookie sheet with cooking spray.
~Place meatloaf in prepared pan.
~Bake for 1 hour.
~Remove from oven and allow to sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
Variations:
`add 3 hard boiled eggs cut into half lengthwise after you add basil.  Place at the beginning of the loaf, so they are rolled up first.
`place mozzarella cheese slices on top of meatloaf  10 minutes before meatloaf is done.  Continue baking until done.
`put some marinara sauce on top of meatloaf when halfway cooked.  Continue baking until done.
`serve with  a side of homemade pasta and marinara sauce.

No comments: