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So if you have leftover nuts, bread, crackers, and/or herbs from the holidays, this Nutty Chive Meatloaf is a great way to use them up. The recipe has chives in it. However, use any fresh herbs you have hanging out in your fridge.
The origin or original idea for this recipe came to me in the fall. Fall-inspired using ground pork, dill as the herb, and topped with a maple glaze. The loaf fell apart because I did not add enough binder to hold it together. Additionally, I was not happy with the glaze. I couldn’t get the right sweet-savory balance I imagined. So this Nutty Chive Meatloaf is a redo and decidedly less fancy without the glaze.
Tips for making great meatloaf
- First, don’t skip the binder. Breadcrumbs, panko, crushed crackers, or soaked bread help hold everything together. Even better, soak them in milk for extra tenderness.
- Be creative with seasonings. This Nutty Chive Meatloaf recipe has Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Just the basics. However, feel free to throw in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, or soy sauce.
- Spice it up! Sometimes I add gochujang, chili crisp, sambal olek, or sriracha.
- However, don’t overmix. Gently combine until just blended. Overworking the meat leads to a dense, tough loaf.
- Gently pat it into shape in the pan. Don’t pack it in.
- Glaze it to be extra. – A glaze of ketchup, BBQ sauce, or chili sauce mixed with a little brown sugar adds another layer of flavor.
- Let it rest. Wait 10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute and the slices remain intact.
This Nutty Chive Meatloaf aside, what I loved best about making meatloaf is that it is truly a kitchen sink recipe. Or as I like to say, a pantry cleaner. Or, a leftovers lover. Pull out the bits and bobs in your pantry and fridge that have been hanging out too long or that will. expire soon. Sort them into complementary flavors and use whatever ground meat you have on hand.
Nutty Chive Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1
shallot - 2
eggs - 2
large garlic cloves - 1
lb
ground meat
beef, pork, turkey, etc. - 3/4
cup
Panko breadcrumbs - 1/3
cup
milk - 1
cup
mixed raw nuts
unsalted, and roughly chopped - 1/4
cup
chopped fresh chives - Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
-
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
-
Peel and dice the onion.
-
Grate the garlic cloves.
-
Beat the eggs separately.
-
Mix the panko with the milk.
-
Place the ground pork in a large bowl.
-
Mix the meat with the onion, garlic, eggs, and the milk/panko.
-
Fold in the nuts, then the chives
-
Season with salt and pepper.
-
Transfer the mixture to the baking sheet.
-
Gently pat the mixture into a loaf shape. Don’t pack it too tightly.
-
Bake for 40 minutes.
-
Let it cool for 10 minutes. Cut and serve.
So, do you like this Nutty Chive Meatloaf? Then also check out some of these other delicious recipes:
So, do you like this Nutty Chive Meatloaf? Then also check out some of these other delicious recipes:
CARROT WRAPPED EGG STUFFED MEATLOAF
EVERYTHING DUMPLINGS WITH CHIVE CREAM SAUCE
TURKEY POTATO STARS APPETIZER
