This refined take on a classic comfort food elevates meatloaf with the exceptional flavor of Brown Pearcy’s pork, complemented by a luscious mushroom sauce and a crisp walnut salad. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a sophisticated, hearty meal.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs Brown Pearcy ground pork
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 shallot, finely minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Walnut Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and frisée)
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted
- 1 small apple, thinly sliced
- 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
For the Salad Dressing:
- 2 tbsp walnut oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatloaf:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet (or in the loaf pan). Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Make the Mushroom Sauce:
- While the meatloaf bakes, heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the shallot and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, letting it reduce by half.
- Stir in the heavy cream and parsley, simmering gently until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the Walnut Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, toasted walnuts, apple slices, goat cheese, and chives.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the walnut oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
4. Serve:
- Slice the meatloaf and arrange on a serving platter. Spoon the creamy mushroom sauce generously over each slice.
- Serve alongside the walnut salad for a well-rounded, elegant meal.
This Herbed Pork Meatloaf with Mushroom Sauce and Walnut Salad strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication, letting Brown Pearcy’s premium pork shine through every bite.