As Easter approaches, memories of my dear grandmother’s kitchen flood my mind, filling it with warmth and nostalgia. In the days leading up to the Easter feast, her bustling kitchen would be filled with the comforting aroma of spices and the sound of laughter, as she lovingly prepared the traditional dishes that marked this joyous occasion. Among them, one dish held a special place in her heart – Traditional Romanian Drob.
Every year, without fail, my grandmother would set to work on this beloved recipe, her skilled hands expertly crafting the perfect lamb meatloaf, infused with the flavours of springtime. As she worked, she would regale us with stories of her own childhood Easter celebrations, filled with laughter, love, and of course, delicious food.
For my grandmother, Drob was more than just a dish – it was a symbol of faith, family, and tradition. As she lovingly prepared each ingredient, she passed down not only her culinary wisdom but also the cherished memories of generations past. And when the time came to gather around the Easter table, her Drob would take pride of place, a testament to her dedication and love.
As we prepare to celebrate Easter once again, I find myself drawn back to those cherished memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, and the comforting embrace of her beloved Drob. Though she may no longer be with us, her spirit lives on in every bite of this cherished dish, reminding us of the enduring bonds of family and the joy of Easter.
Traditional Romanian Meatloaf – Drob – Romanian Delights recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 500 g minced lamb or chicken
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling:
- 200 g smoked bacon diced
- 200 g mushrooms finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 hard-boiled eggs sliced
For the Garnish:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh parsley sprigs
Instructions
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatloaf:
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a. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
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b. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced lamb or chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped parsley, chopped dill, and chopped green onions.
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c. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until well combined.
Prepare the Filling:
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a. In a pan, cook the diced smoked bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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b. In the same pan, add the chopped mushrooms and sauté until golden brown. Remove from the heat and let cool.
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c. In a separate bowl, combine the cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Drob:
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a. Press half of the meatloaf mixture into the greased loaf pan, creating an even layer.
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b. Arrange the sliced hard-boiled eggs in the center of the meatloaf layer.
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c. Spread the filling mixture over the meatloaf layer and hard-boiled eggs, pressing gently to ensure even distribution.
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d. Top with the remaining meatloaf mixture, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
Bake the Drob:
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a. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and golden brown on top.
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b. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
Garnish and Serve:
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a. Arrange the cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley sprigs around the sliced Drob.
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b. Serve warm or at room temperature, accompanied by crusty bread and your favourite condiments.
Enjoy the Tradition:
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Delight in the rich flavours and heartwarming aromas of this Traditional Romanian Drob, a cherished dish that brings joy and nostalgia to every bite. Whether shared during festive gatherings or enjoyed as a comforting family meal, Drob is sure to leave a lasting impression and create cherished memories for years to come.
