Mediterranean Style Lamb Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds ground lamb
• 1 cup tzatziki dip
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, tzatziki dip, balsamic vinegar, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, parsley, mint, salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Shape the meatloaf:
   Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or to a greased loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf.
4. Bake:
   Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meatloaf is cooked through.
5. Rest and serve:
   Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist.
6. Serve:
   Slice and serve the meatloaf with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!

This lamb meatloaf pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh Greek salad, or a side of couscous. The flavors from the tzatziki dip and balsamic vinegar add a delightful Mediterranean twist to a classic comfort dish.

Flavor Profile:

1. Rich and Savory: The ground lamb provides a rich and robust base flavor, which is complemented by the umami from the minced garlic and the savoriness of the breadcrumbs and eggs.
2. Tangy: The tzatziki dip and balsamic vinegar add a tangy component. Tzatziki, with its yogurt and cucumber base, brings a creamy, slightly tart flavor, while balsamic vinegar adds a sweet-tart depth.
3. Herbaceous: Fresh parsley and mint, along with dried oregano and cumin, infuse the meatloaf with bright, fresh, and aromatic herbal notes that lighten the richness of the lamb.
4. Mild Sweetness: The balsamic vinegar also imparts a subtle sweetness, balancing the savory and tangy elements.

Addressing the Gaminess:

The combination of ingredients in this recipe is designed to effectively mitigate the gaminess of lamb:

• Tzatziki Dip: The yogurt in tzatziki has a mild acidity that helps neutralize the stronger flavors in lamb, making it taste milder.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Its acidity and sweetness further mask the gaminess, providing a pleasant contrast to the rich meat.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like parsley and mint, along with aromatic spices like oregano and cumin, add complexity and freshness, which help to cover the lamb’s gamy undertones.

Overall, this recipe should result in a well-balanced meatloaf with a mild flavor profile, effectively reducing the gaminess of the lamb and making it enjoyable for those who might be sensitive to its stronger flavors.