CAJUN MEAT LOAF

CAJUN MEAT LOAF image

Yield 6 - 8 people

Number Of Ingredients 24

Seasoning Mix:
2 whole bay leaves
1 Tbs salt
1 tsp red pepper (cayenne)
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp white pepper
½ tsp white pepper
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp nutmeg
Meatloaf:
4 Tbs unsalted butter
¾ cup finely chopped onions
½ cup finely chopped celery
½ cup finely chopped green bell peppers
½ cup finely chopped green onions
2 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbs Tabasco sauce
1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
½ cup evaporated milk
½ cup catsup
1 ½ pounds ground beef
½ pounds ground pork
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup very fine dry bread crumbs (I like panko)

Steps:

Combine the seasoning mix ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Melt the butter in a 1 quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, bell peppers, green onions, garlic, Tabasco, Worcestershire and seasoning mix. Sauté until mixture starts sticking excessively, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the pan bottom well. Stir in the milk and catsup. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool to room temperature. Place the ground meat (beef and pork and veal if using) in an ungreased 13 X 9 inch baking pan. Add the eggs, the cooked vegetable mixture, removing the bay leaves, and the bread crumbs. Mix by hand until thoroughly combined. In the center of the pan, shape the mixture into a loaf that is about 1 ½ inches high, 6 inches wie and 12 inches long. Bake uncovered at 350° for 25 minutes, then raise heat to 400° and continue cooking until done, about 35 minutes longer. Serve immediately.