Mediterranean-Style Meatloaf with Goat Cheese-Yogurt Sauce

Moist,

tender meatloaf is rustic, downhome comfort food at its best. Add the rich,

aromatic flavors of Mediterranean ingredients and classic meatloaf steps up a

notch.

Lamb, mint,

parsley, and garlic highlight the meat mixture in this recipe, while goat

cheese, yogurt, lemon, and more mint make up the thick, creamy sauce. The

result is hearty, tangy, savory, and bright, all at once. If you enjoy the

eclectic flavors of Mediterranean cuisine—particularly Greek—I don’t think

you’ll be disappointed.

Note: When recipes call for fresh

“mint,” it usually means spearmint (pointed leaves) simply because this milder type of mint is most common in

cooking savory dishes. Peppermint (rounded leaves) is often used in making candies, baked goods, and medicinal products. Either variety of the herb may be used in place of the other, but if you

amount since the flavor is much stronger.

• 7 oz plain,
• traditional or low-fat Greek yogurt (not fat free)
• 3 oz goat
• cheese, softened
• 1 garlic
• clove, chopped
• 2 tbsp
• fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp
• chopped fresh spearmint leaves
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• For the Meatloaf
• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1/2 lb ground beef (chuck preferred)
• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 large egg, whisked
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh spearmint leaves
• 2 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups cooked basmati rice, for serving

Preparation

Place the

first 4 ingredients in a food processor. Blend until very creamy and thick.

Remove to a bowl and stir in the chopped mint. Season with salt and pepper and

let stand at room temperature while the meatloaf bakes. (Or cover

and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before proceeding.)

Goat Cheese-Yogurt Sauce

For the Meatloaf

Preheat the oven to 350° F.

Combine all ingredients, except rice, in a large bowl and

mix gently with your fingers. (Don’t overwork the mixture—that can cause the

meatloaf to become dry and dense when cooked.)

Meatloaf Mixture Form the mixture into about an 8 X 4-1/2-inch rectangle and place

in a baking dish. Bake uncovered, 45-50 minutes. Remove and let rest 5 minutes.

Meatloaf Ready to BakeBaked Meatloaf

To serve, divide the rice and spread across each

of 4 plates. Cut the meatloaf into 8 slices and place 2 on top of the rice on

each plate. Divide and spoon the sauce over the meatloaf. Serve right away.