Simple Embutido Recipe for Beginners

If you’re new to cooking or looking for a delicious, simple dish to add to your collection, Embutido might just be what you need. This Filipino meatloaf, while traditional, is versatile and can be tailored to suit any taste. Here’s a simple recipe designed for beginners that will make cooking Embutido a breeze and guarantee impressive results for a potluck, dinner party, or family meal.

Ingredients

To prepare Embutido, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground pork
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 medium bell pepper (color of your choice), diced
• ¹⁄₂ cup raisins
• ¹⁄₂ cup pickle relish
• ¹⁄₂ cup bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced hard-boiled eggs (for filling)
• Optional: Wieners or hotdogs, cheese sticks

Preparation Steps

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, onion, garlic, carrot, bell pepper, raisins, pickle relish, and bread crumbs. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon to ensure even distribution.
2. Season: Add the beaten eggs, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined. This egg mixture helps to bind the Embutido together.
3. Prepare the Filling: While the mixture is important, the filling is what makes Embutido unique. Slice your hard-boiled eggs into wedges. You can also add wieners or cheese if you like.
4. Shaping the Embutido: On a piece of aluminum foil, spread a portion of the meat mixture into a rectangle. Place the fillings (eggs, cheese, etc.) along the middle of the rectangle.
5. Roll: Gently lift one side of the foil and roll the meat over the fillings, forming a log. Tighten the roll to avoid air gaps. Secure the ends by twisting the foil tightly. Repeat the process for the rest of the mixture.
6. Steam or Bake:
   • Steaming: Place the wrapped Embutido in a steamer. Steam for about 45 minutes to an hour, checking if it’s cooked by poking through the foil with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s done.
   • Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Embutido logs on a baking tray and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. This method gives a nice, brown crust but requires unwrapping before slicing.
7. Serve: Let the Embutido cool before unwrapping. Slice into rounds and serve.

🍲 Note: You can refrigerate Embutido to let flavors meld or freeze it for future use. The flavors often develop even more over time.

🍞 Note: Adding bread crumbs helps bind the mixture, but some also like to soak bread in milk for a softer texture.

Creating Embutido is about more than just following a recipe; it’s about making a dish that can be personalized to suit your taste. The simplicity of the process allows for creativity in your kitchen. Whether you prefer it simple or loaded with fillings, this dish is a perfect starting point for those looking to expand their culinary skills.

Can I use chicken or beef instead of pork?

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Yes, you can substitute pork with ground chicken or beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile might change slightly due to the different fat content and inherent taste of each meat.

What can I use instead of raisins?

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If you’re not fond of raisins, you can use other dried fruits like cranberries, currants, or even chopped dried apricots. Or, you can skip the sweet element altogether if you prefer.

How do I know when the Embutido is cooked?

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If you’re steaming or baking, check with a toothpick or skewer. If it comes out clean after being inserted into the Embutido, it’s fully cooked. For steaming, you can also visually check if the meat is firm to the touch.