Craving comfort food with a twist? This Lithuanian Meatloaf with Apples (aka Netikras Zuikis) takes the classic pork meatloaf to a whole new level, blending apple flavor into the mix for a juicy, moist meatloaf that’s perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings. It might be called "fake rabbit," but there’s nothing fake about how delicious this savory treat is—trust us, it’s the ultimate comfort food!
Jump to:
But What Is Netikras Zuikis?
Netikras zuikis, meaning "fake rabbit," is the Lithuanian take on meatloaf with a quirky backstory. While the name suggests rabbit, this cozy dish is typicaly made with pork (sometimes beef or turkey - you can try our Turkey Meatloaf With Cheese) and maybe a bit of imagination.
How did it get this mysterious name? Blame it on a German linguistic mix-up! The dish likely traveled to Lithuania from Germany, where the word Hackbraten (meaning "ground meat roast") sounds close to Hasenbraten ("rabbit roast")—and voilà, a "fake rabbit" was born.
The final touch? Many Lithuanians add two bay leaves on top of the loaf, which look a bit like bunny ears poking out of the golden-brown surface. Known for its delicious flavor and rave reviews, netikras zuikis is more than just a festive meatloaf—it’s a new favorite that turns heads at any gathering!
This is not the only dish Lithuanians borrowed from other nations. A lovely Georgian Clay Pot Stew is also one of the favourites in Lithuania - Chanakhi With Pork (or Cenakai). Another one - Pork Plov - is borrowed from Uzbekistan.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Here's everything you will need to make this Lithuanian meatloaf with Apples:
- ground pork: traditionally, lean pork with no more than 10% fat is used.
- smoked bacon: or pancetta, cut into small pieces.
- onion: yellow, white or red onions can be used.
- carrots: medium.
- large apple: cored, but you may leave the skins on, as they soften during long cooking time.
- eggs: we used medium eggs.
- breadcrumbs: we used dried breadcrumbs, but if you choose to use fresh bread crumbs, you may need to leave out 1 egg white to reduce moisture in the recipe.
- dried mixed herbs: like oregano, parsley and thyme.
- nutmeg: optional, but it makes this meatloaf super aromatic and festive, certainly well suited for a Christmas table.
- salt and black pepper.
Find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Variations
Want to make Netikras Zuikis your own? Here are some fun ways to mix things up:
- Meat Mixes: Don’t feel tied to just pork! Swap it out with lean ground beef for a richer taste, or try lean ground turkey for a lighter, leaner option (-> Turkey Meatloaf Cheese recipe). If you're feeling fancy, veal or even chicken can work, adding a little bit of variety and flavor to the classic meatloaf.
- Seasoning Spin: Change up the seasoning game with a dash of ground cumin, coriander, or a little bit of chilli powder for a spicy kick. It’s like giving your meatloaf a global passport—just a little heat and you’re good to go! A dash if Worcestershire sauce also goes a long way!
- Glaze It!: Want to take this great meatloaf to the next level? It adds a delicious glossy finish that makes every bite pop (have a look for suggestions below).
- Veggie Power: Swap the veggies in the mix, like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even grated sweet potato. It’s a great way to sneak in more nutrients and color—and who doesn’t love a more vibrant meatloaf?
With all these options, you’ll be creating your own version of Netikras Zuikis that’s bound to get rave reviews every time!
Step-By-Step Method
1. Place the bacon pieces in a large frying pan, and fry until browned and crispy.
2. To the bacon pan, add the onion, grated carrot and apple and stir over low-medium heat for 5 -6 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Place the vegetable, bacon and apple mixture in a large bowl. Add the ground pork, herbs, nutmeg, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs and eggs, and mix everything well.
4. Grease a 2 lb loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray and sprinkle it with breadcrumbs. TIP: if your pan is known to stick, line the base and sides with parchment paper.
5. Press the ground meat mixture into the loaf pan, cover it well with foil and place in a preheated oven for 1 hour.
6. After 1 hour, take the foil off and return to the oven uncovered for another 30 minutes.
7. Leave the meatloaf to firm up for 5 minutes before turning it out. It can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Optional Glaze
Why not add a saucy glaze to this delicious meatloaf next time you make it? Whilst you can simply glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce, you can take it to the next level by trying one of the following glaze recipes:
- Apple Glaze. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Balsamic Tomato Glaze. Mix ¼ cup tomato ketchup with 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Yogurt Custard Topping: Such topping is used for South African Bobotie Meatloaf, but it works great with this meatloaf with apples too.
Serving Suggestions
Netikras Zuikis is incredibly versatile—serve it warm or cold, depending on your mood. For a hearty warm meal, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or rice, and add a dollop of Dijon mustard or some tangy horseradish on the side.
A few sides of green beans or steamed broccoli will add the perfect touch of greenery. If you're in the mood for something lighter, it pairs wonderfully with Lithuanian salads like Cucumber and Sour Cream Salad or Cabbage and Carrot Slaw.
For a cool twist, slice it up and serve it alongside other cold cuts, or stuff it into a sandwich for a tasty snack or picnic treat.
Storage
Netikras Zuikis stores wonderfully for the next day. Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and flavorful, ready to be enjoyed either cold or reheated in the oven covered with foil. Just make sure to consume it within a few days for the best taste and texture!
Christmas In Lithuania eBook
Bring a touch of authentic Lithuanian magic to your holiday season! Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or surprising loved ones with a nod to their heritage, Christmas in Lithuania is your ultimate guide to a heartwarming, delicious, and tradition-filled celebration.
More Lithuanian Dinner Recipes
We hope you liked this apple meatloaf recipe. For more great recipes from Lithuanian cuisine, have a look below:
Lithuanian Meatloaf with Apple (Netikras Zuikis Recipe)
Equipment
- Box Grater
- 2 lb Loaf Pan
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) ground pork 10% fat
- 100 g (3.5 oz) smoked bacon or pancceta cut into small pieces
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 large carrot peeled, coarsely grated
- 1 apple cored and grated
- 2 eggs medium
- 30 g (¼ cup) dried breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon dried mixed herbs
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place the bacon pieces in a large frying pan, and fry until browned and crispy.
- To the bacon pan, add the onion, grated carrot and apple and stir over low-medium heat for 5 -6 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Place the vegetables and bacon in a large mixing bowl. Add the ground pork, herbs, nutmeg, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs and eggs, and mix everything well.
- Preheat the oven to 180° C (350° F). Grease a 2 lb loaf pan with butter and sprinkle it with breadcrumbs.
- Press the ground meat mixture into the loaf pan, cover it well with foil and place in a preheated oven for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, take the foil off and return to the oven uncovered for another 30 minutes.
- Leave the meatloaf to frim up for 5 minutes before turning it out. It can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Leave a Reply