Embutido: A Festive Filipino Meatloaf for All Occasions
6-8 Servings
Embutido is a festive Filipino meatloaf that’s a staple at holiday celebrations and special gatherings. This flavorful dish is made with ground pork, mixed with vegetables, spices, and often stuffed with hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and various sausages. Embutido is typically steamed or baked, resulting in a moist and flavorful meatloaf that’s enjoyed hot or cold.
30min Prep
1h Cook
INGREDIENTS
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ground pork
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 onion, finely chopped (approx. 150g or 5.3 oz)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 10g or 0.35 oz)
- 1 carrot, finely chopped (approx. 100g or 3.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 can Vienna sausages, drained
- Aluminum foil (for wrapping)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak Breadcrumbs: In a bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk. Let soak for a few minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, sautéed vegetables, raisins, pickle relish, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the Embutido: Lay a large sheet of aluminum foil on a flat surface. Spread half of the meat mixture onto the foil, forming a rectangle. Arrange the hard-boiled eggs lengthwise in the center, then top with Vienna sausages. Cover with the remaining meat mixture and shape into a log.
- Wrap and Steam/Bake: Wrap the embutido tightly in aluminum foil. Steam for 45-60 minutes or bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour, or until cooked through.
- Chill and Serve: Let the embutido cool completely before slicing. Serve cold or pan-fried until golden brown.
The Story of Embutido:
Embutido is a dish that reflects the Spanish influence on Filipino cuisine. It’s believed to have evolved from the Spanish “embutido,” a type of sausage. However, the Filipino version has taken on a unique identity, often featuring a combination of sweet and savory flavors that are distinctly Filipino.
Embutido is a festive dish often prepared for special occasions like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and birthdays. Its elaborate preparation and festive appearance make it a symbol of celebration and abundance, bringing families and friends together to share in the joy of good food.
