Beef meatloaf

Beef Haggis – a traditional delight, full of flavor and history

Beef haggis is an iconic dish, often associated with Easter celebrations, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. This dish is not just a simple recipe but a combination of traditions and culinary memories that take us back in time. Whether you are preparing haggis for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe will help you achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:
- 3 kg beef offal (lung, heart, liver)
- 6 large onions
- 10 eggs
- 50 ml oil
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of celery leaves
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- dried thyme (optional)

Preparation:
1. Start by preparing the beef offal. Wash it well under cold water and boil it in a large pot. Add enough water to completely cover it and let it simmer over medium heat. It’s essential to boil it until tender, but not so much that it loses its texture. After about 45 minutes, check if it’s cooked, and when ready, remove it from the water and let it cool.

2. Once the offal has cooled, chop it finely using a meat grinder. This is a crucial step to achieve a homogeneous texture in the haggis. If you don’t have a grinder, you can use a sharp knife, but it will take longer.

3. Meanwhile, peel the onions and chop them into small cubes. In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat and add the onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it. This will add a delicious flavor to your mixture.

4. In a large bowl, mix the chopped offal, sautéed onion, 9 eggs, parsley, and finely chopped celery leaves. This is the moment to add your personal touch – add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. I recommend tasting the mixture before putting it in the tray, so you can adjust the seasonings to your preferences.

5. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease two loaf pans with butter, ensuring they are well covered to prevent the haggis from sticking.

6. Divide the mixture evenly between the two pans. Finally, beat one remaining egg and brush it on top of the haggis. This will give it a beautiful golden crust.

7. Place the pans in the preheated oven and let the haggis bake for about 1 hour. Check occasionally to ensure it bakes evenly. When ready, the haggis should be firm to the touch and have a golden hue.

8. After the haggis is baked, let it cool slightly before removing it from the pan. It is delicious both warm and cold, and can be served with mustard or a fresh salad.

Useful tips:
- If you want to try a variation, you can add some olives or mushrooms to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Beef haggis keeps well in the fridge for a few days and is perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
- Instead of parsley and celery, you can experiment with other herbs like dill or basil for a different taste.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
A serving of beef haggis (approximately 100 g) contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the proportions of the ingredients. It is a good source of protein and essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and zinc, thanks to the beef offal. Moderate consumption of haggis can contribute to a balanced diet, especially when combined with fresh vegetables.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! You can replace beef offal with chicken or turkey, but the taste and texture will be different.

- How can I make the haggis softer?
Adding some slices of bread soaked in milk or a few tablespoons of sour cream to the mixture can help achieve a softer texture.

- Is haggis suitable for vegans?
Although traditionally a meat-based dish, you can adapt the recipe using plant-based ingredients, such as cooked vegetables and tofu or tempeh.

Now that you know how to prepare beef haggis, all that’s left is to get cooking! Share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy a delicious moment together. Haggis is more than just a simple recipe – it’s a story, a tradition, and most importantly, a delicacy that brings generations together. Enjoy your meal!