Polpettone with Scamorza Heart: A Hearty Italian Meatloaf Recipe
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground pork | 300g |
| Mortadella | 110g |
| Pecorino Romano cheese | 50g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Nutmeg | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch |
| Grana Padano cheese (grated) | 60g |
| Marjoram | 2 sprigs |
| Table salt | To taste |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Bread (preferably stale) | 100g |
| Scamorza cheese (or Provola) | 50g |
| All-purpose flour | 30g |
| Beef broth | 500g |
| Carrots | 70g |
| Champignon mushrooms | 150g |
| Celery | 70g |
| Onion | 60g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 4 tbsp |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
To begin, chop the mortadella into small pieces and place it in a food processor. Blend it until finely minced. Next, break up the stale bread into chunks and add it to the processor as well. Mix it thoroughly to create a smooth breadcrumb-like consistency. Then, add the grated Grana Padano cheese and Pecorino Romano cheese to the bread mixture. Crack the two eggs into the processor and add the freshly grated nutmeg, black pepper, and finely chopped parsley. Continue blending until everything is well incorporated.
Once the mixture is smooth and even, take it out and place it on a sheet of parchment paper. Use a fork to mash and combine the mixture further. Once it’s compact, shape it into a thick log, leaving a cavity in the center to later stuff with the Scamorza cheese. This will create the heart of the Polpettone.
Step 2: Stuff the Polpettone
Cut the Scamorza cheese into small cubes and carefully stuff them into the center of the meatloaf. Use your hands to close the meat around the cheese, ensuring that the filling is completely sealed within the meat mixture.
Step 3: Coat the Polpettone
Once the Polpettone is formed and stuffed, coat the surface with flour. Gently tap the flour to make sure it adheres to the entire surface of the meatloaf, creating a light coating that will help it brown and hold together during cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
While the Polpettone is resting, peel the onion and cut it into wedges. Peel the carrots and chop them into thick, uneven pieces. Do the same with the celery. Clean the champignon mushrooms with a cloth, removing the earthy ends of the stems, then slice them into thick rounds.
Step 5: Brown the Polpettone
In a large roasting pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the Polpettone in the pan. Sear the meatloaf on all sides until it is browned and crispy, turning it gently to ensure an even sear. This will take approximately 23-24 minutes, depending on the heat.
Step 6: Add the Vegetables and Broth
Once the Polpettone is evenly browned, add the prepared vegetables to the pan. Scatter the onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms around the meatloaf. Pour in two ladles of beef broth, allowing it to gently cover the base of the pan. The liquid will help create a flavorful sauce and keep the Polpettone moist during cooking.
Step 7: Cook the Polpettone
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Let the Polpettone cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, checking occasionally to ensure there is enough broth to maintain a bit of sauce. Add more broth if necessary, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once the Polpettone is fully cooked and the cheese in the center has melted into a gooey filling, carefully remove it from the pan. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thick pieces, revealing the melted Scamorza heart. Serve it with the roasted vegetables and flavorful sauce from the pan.
This Polpettone with a Scamorza heart is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any special occasion. The rich, savory meat combined with the melted cheese in the center creates a delicious and comforting dish that everyone will love. Enjoy with a glass of red wine or a side of mashed potatoes to complete the meal!
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
| Vitamin A | 12% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 4% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 12% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 10% of Daily Value |
This recipe brings a true taste of Italian comfort food to your table, with rich flavors and a delightful cheesy surprise in every slice. Ideal for family gatherings or dinner parties, it’s a dish that will surely be remembered.
