Meatloaf
(Faschierter Braten, Meatbread, Vleesbrod, Rulo Stefani, Asado Aleman, Pulpeta, Sekaná, Farsbrød, Lihamureke, Hackbraten, Faschierter Braten, Falscher Hase, Rolo, Stefánia Szelet, Polpettone, Kafta, Kofta, Klops, Rolat, Albondigón, Empotido, хучмал, Pieczeń Rzymska, Bobotie, Köttfärslimpa, Dalyan Köfte, Giò, Pain de viande, Falscher Hase)
The ubiquitous meatloaf is a dish celebrated for its simplicity and versatility. It is made with a substantial amount of minced meat, most commonly pork and beef that is bound by eggs or dairy products. Typically, it is placed in a special mold or formed by hand in the popular shape of a log.
After it has been baked, it is usually sliced and served with mashed potatoes or vegetables, all doused in the accompanying juicy sauce. Meatloaf is not a dish that is commonly found in high-end restaurants, nor does it belong to haute cuisine. It is rustic and ordinary, yet incredibly comforting and nutritious.
The history of the meatloaf as we know it today is believed to have its origins in ancient Rome, where a gastronome named Apicius first mentioned the idea of minced meat patties. It is believed that the now traditional loaf-shaped form grew out of the necessity to hasten the process and save time. Read more
Later, to stretch the costly meat, additional ingredients such as breadcrumbs, oats, panko crumbs, and even vegetables were incorporated into the dish. Modern meatloaf is usually associated with the United States. The popular belief is that the American meatloaf was invented and became famous during the Great Depression Era in the 1930s, but the most probable version claims it was a brought over by numerous immigrants who flocked to the United States from Europe.
The reinvention in the United States has coincided with the technical advancements, and the first time meatloaf was mentioned in print was in 1899, near the same time during the invention of mechanical meat grinders. Today, it is hard to find a country which does not have their variety of this classic.
They might vary in the choice of meat, selection of spices, and favorite additional ingredients, but essentially all the various national meatloaf types are interpreted as comforting and economical family meals.
