CAJUN TURKEY MEATLOAF

This is one of my favorite meatloaf recipes. I use turkey to make it lower in fat but you can use 1/2 beef and 1/2 pork if you like. Sometimes turkey can be dry but in this meatloaf you add 1/2 cup of evaporated milk and it keeps it tender and moist.

I like to serve this with jalapeno turkey gravy.

 During the holidays I make gravy and freeze it. This is how I make the gravy. After I defrost it I add chopped jalapenos and warm for about 15 minutes.

I hope you give this a try, it really is good.

CAJUN MEATLOAF

Seasoning mix:

2 whole bay leaves

1 TBSP. salt

1 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)

1 tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. white pepper

½ tsp. ground cumin

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

Combine seasoning mix ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

Meat Loaf:

4 TBSP. unsalted butter

¾ cup finely chopped onions

½ cup finely chopped celery

½ cup finely chopped green bell peppers

1/4 cup finely chopped green onion

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 TBSP. Tabasco sauce

1 TBSP. Worcestershire sauce

½ cup evaporated milk

½ cup ketchup

2 lbs. Ground Turkey or 1-½ lbs. Ground beef and ½ lb. ground pork

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup very fine dry bread crumbs

Gravy if desired

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 ketchup.  Continue cooking for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool to room temperature.

Place the ground meat in an ungreased 13x9 inch baking pan.  Add the eggs, the cooked vegetable mixture, removing the bay leaves, and the breadcrumbs.  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 wide and 12 inches long.  Bake uncovered at 350~ for 25 minutes, then raise the heat to 400~ and continue cooking until done, about 35 minutes longer.  Serve immediately with a gravy if desired.  I use a can of turkey gravy heated with some chopped fresh jalapenos.

Recipe slightly adapted from Paul Prudomme