Lithuanian Meatloaf with Apple (Netikras Zuikis Recipe)
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!
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.