Meatloaf-it sounds so homey and I would definitely call it a comfort food. It makes me think of wintry Sunday suppers around the dining room table. I never make a meatloaf in the summer months, but come fall with cooler weather and it’s on my list for upcoming dinners.
I have a massive pile of recipes torn from magazines and newspapers and every once in a while I sit down and look for dishes that would be perfect for the season. I came across this recipe from an old issue of Gourmet (April ’09) and decided to give it a go. What appealed to me was that this recipe resembled a pate, but with less work. We enjoyed it for dinner, but I really l preferred it the next day served cold with slices of a baguette and some cornichons.
Rustic French Meatloaf
1 cup fine fresh bread crumbs (preferably from a country loaf)
1/2 cup whole milk
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound chicken lives, separated and trimmed
3/4 pound ground pork
3/4 pound ground veal
1/4 cup chopped prunes
1/4 cup shelled pistachios
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
2 large eggs lightly beaten
salt and freshly ground pepper
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Soak the bread crumbs in milk in a small bowl. Cook onion and garlic and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in oil in a skillet over medium heat, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Cool slightly.
Puree the livers in a blender, then transfer to a large bowl. Add pork, veal, prunes, pistachios, thyme, eggs, bread crumb mixture, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and gently mix with your hands until just combined.
Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a 8-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ loaf pan and bake, covered with foil, until an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees, about 50-55 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes, then unmold and serve.
November 4, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Da quanto tempo!
November 4, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Meg-tu parli italiano???!!!
November 4, 2010 at 3:08 pm
It’s raining and cold where I live right now, and this looks like the perfect remedy. Seriously, the photo made my mouth water (love cornichons!)
November 4, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Domenica-thank you! The cornichons were the perfect accompaniment.
November 4, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Something I might have to try when the family are around, does look delicious:-)
November 4, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Anne-thank you. It really was a nice change from the same old meatloaf I usually make.
November 5, 2010 at 1:41 am
You should send that photo to Foodgawkers! Mouth watering….
November 9, 2010 at 12:03 am
Tina Marie-thank you for the compliment-you made my day!
November 7, 2010 at 4:51 pm
I hate the cold temperatures that come with the fall, but love the comforting foods that it brings. This meatloaf looks fantastic!
November 9, 2010 at 12:02 am
Lynne-it’s the perfect meal for a cod evening and the leftovers are the best!
November 7, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Me: “We should make Rustic French meatloaf”
Jonathan: “Yes. Let’s dot it.”
Will try this very soon! Thank you again paninigirl, my supplier of culinary inspiration.
November 9, 2010 at 12:00 am
Turid-I hope you try it.
Pingback: Magazine Monday – Roasted Stuffed Acorn Squash « I'll Have What She's Having
November 12, 2010 at 6:01 am
This looks awesome – love the look and texture of this, and love the idea of the prunes and pistachios in here. Even though it is spring here right now, I would make this just to eat cold with fresh sourdough bread – yum 🙂
Sue
November 13, 2010 at 4:59 pm
Couscous & Consciousness-this recipe is simple to put together and as I’ve said, the leftovers are delicious.