🍽️ Amish Meatloaf: A Hearty Comfort Food 🥩
Amish meatloaf is a delicious and comforting dish with a rich history. It’s a classic American meatloaf recipe that has been embraced and perfected by the Amish community, known for their hearty and wholesome cuisine. 🇺🇸
📜 History:
Amish cuisine is rooted in tradition, emphasizing simplicity and the use of locally sourced ingredients. The Amish people, known for their rural and communal lifestyle, have been preparing meatloaf for generations. It’s a dish that reflects their values of making the most of available resources and creating hearty meals for their families.
🥩 Components:
The components of Amish meatloaf typically include:
- Ground Meat: A mixture of ground beef and ground pork is commonly used, but you can adjust the ratio to your preference.
- Bread: Stale bread slices or breadcrumbs are used as a binder.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent and add moisture.
- Onion: Chopped onions provide flavor and moisture.
- Milk: It adds moisture and helps keep the meatloaf tender.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and sometimes additional herbs and spices like thyme or sage for flavor.
- Ketchup or Tomato Sauce: This is often spread on top for a sweet and tangy glaze.
👩🍳 Preparation:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Amish meatloaf:
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Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients mentioned above.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped onions, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Form the Loaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased baking dish.
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Top with Sauce: Spread ketchup or tomato sauce over the top of the meatloaf. This will create a flavorful glaze as it bakes.
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Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your meatloaf. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a juicier meatloaf.
⏲️ Cooking Time:
The total time needed to prepare Amish meatloaf, including preparation and cooking, is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
🍽️ Amish meatloaf is a beloved comfort food that brings together the flavors of ground meat, onions, and a sweet tomato glaze. It’s a perfect choice for a family dinner or a hearty gathering, and it’s sure to leave everyone satisfied. Enjoy! 😊🍴
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amish meatloaf:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 350-400 calories
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 3-5 grams
Health Information:
- Protein: Amish meatloaf is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
- Carbohydrates: It contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, mainly from breadcrumbs and onions.
- Fat: The fat content can vary depending on the meat blend used, but it’s a source of energy.
- Fiber: While not particularly high in fiber, the onions and breadcrumbs do provide some dietary fiber.
- Sugars: The sugar content comes from ingredients like ketchup or tomato sauce, which add sweetness and flavor.
- Sodium: Depending on the amount of salt used, it can contribute to your daily sodium intake. Be mindful if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Amish meatloaf may provide essential vitamins and minerals, especially if you include herbs and spices like thyme or sage, which can add flavor and nutrients.
It’s worth noting that the nutritional content can vary based on the specific recipe and portion size. While Amish meatloaf can be a tasty and satisfying dish, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie, fat, or sodium intake. Pairing it with vegetables or a salad can help create a more balanced meal.
