Spiced Lamb Meatloaf
Ingredients
- Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground lamb
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 large celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger (3-inch piece)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt (or a teaspoon of sea salt)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch saffron threads
- 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- Pomegranate molasses Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (more to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Combine the meats: In a large bowl, combine the lamb and beef. Set aside.
- Sauté the onions, carrot, celery, garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and ginger and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Add the salt, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, ground coriander, cayenne, pepper, and saffron. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to release the flavors. Remove from heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Make the meatloaf mixture: Stir the vegetables into the ground meat. Mix in the breadcrumbs, eggs, cilantro, and mint.
- Place mixture into a loaf pan: Pack meatloaf mixture into a 5- x9-inch or 4- x8-inch loaf pan. If using a 4- x8-inch pan, you’ll need to mound the mixture high in the pan. Set the loaf pan in a baking pan. Pour about 1/2 inch of hot water into the baking pan so it comes up the sides of the loaf pan a bit.
- Bake: Bake the meatloaf for 1 1/2 hours, or until firm and cooked through. Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Un-mold onto a plate and slice. Serve with pomegranate molasses sauce, ketchup, or just the drippings from the meatloaf itself. Very good served with rice pilaf.
- Make the (optional) pomegranate molasses sauce: Mix the ketchup, pomegranate molasses, and chipotle chili powder in a small bowl. Heat in a microwave or warm in a saucepan until just warm.
