Austrian Leberkäse, often mistaken for a liver-based dish due to its name (which translates to "liver cheese"), is actually a savory meatloaf made from finely ground pork, beef, and bacon. This traditional Austrian specialty is renowned for its hearty flavor and is a staple in Austrian cuisine, commonly enjoyed warm or cold, often paired with mustard or served in sandwiches.

Leberkäse has been a cherished part of Austrian culinary tradition for centuries. Despite its name, the dish contains neither liver nor cheese. The term "Leberkäse" is derived from the German words for liver ("Leber") and cheese ("Käse"), reflecting the historical use of terms rather than the actual ingredients. Originally developed as a way to preserve meat, Leberkäse evolved into a beloved everyday dish, celebrated for its rich taste and versatility.

Ingredients:

• 500g pork shoulder, finely ground
• 500g beef chuck, finely ground
• 200g bacon, finely chopped
• 150g ice-cold water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon marjoram
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon coriander (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for greasing the loaf pan)

Instructions:

1- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).

2- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, chopped bacon, salt, white pepper, marjoram, garlic powder, caraway seeds (if using), ground ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and coriander (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3- Add Ice-Cold Water: Gradually add the ice-cold water to the meat mixture while continuing to mix. This helps to keep the Leberkäse moist.

4- Grease Loaf Pan: Grease a loaf pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

5- Form the Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the greased loaf pan, pressing it down to form a uniform loaf shape.

6- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours or until the Leberkäse has a golden-brown crust on top and is cooked through.

7- Cool and Slice: Allow the Leberkäse to cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan. Once cooled, slice it into thick slices.

8- Serve: Austrian Leberkäse can be served warm or cold. Enjoy it as a main dish with mustard or in sandwiches.

Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings according to your taste preferences. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Austrian Leberkäse, providing a delicious homemade version of this classic dish.

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients. Keep in mind that these values are general estimates and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods:

1. 500g pork shoulder, finely ground:

• Calories: 1100 kcal
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 75g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

• Rich in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and zinc.

2. 500g beef chuck, finely ground:

• Calories: 1100 kcal
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 75g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

• High-quality protein source.
• Good source of iron, essential for oxygen transport in the body.

3. 200g bacon, finely chopped:

• Calories: 900 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 88g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

• Adds flavor and richness to the Leberkäse.
• Provides protein and healthy fats.

4. 150g ice-cold water:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

• Maintains the moisture content in the meat mixture during cooking.

5. 2 teaspoons salt:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

• Enhances flavor.
• Important for electrolyte balance and nerve function.

6. 1 teaspoon white pepper:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.3g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5g

Benefits:

• Adds a mild heat and flavor.
• May have antioxidant properties.

7. 1 teaspoon marjoram:

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g

Benefits:

• Contributes a pleasant herbaceous flavor.
• Contains vitamins A and C.

8. 1 teaspoon garlic powder:

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2.3g

Benefits:

• Adds a distinctive savory taste.
• Known for potential health benefits, including immune system support.

9. 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 0.8g

Benefits:

• Imparts a unique and aromatic flavor.
• May aid digestion.

10. 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger:

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.7g

Benefits:

• Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties.

11. 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg:

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 0.3g

Benefits:

• Enhances the overall spice profile.
• Contains antioxidants.

12. 1/4 teaspoon allspice:

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g

Benefits:

• Contributes to the warm and aromatic flavor.
• Contains essential oils with potential health benefits.

13. 1/4 teaspoon coriander (optional):

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g

Benefits:

• Adds a citrusy and slightly sweet note.
• Contains antioxidants and may have digestive benefits.

14. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for greasing the loaf pan):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

• Prevents sticking during baking.
• Provides healthy fats and energy.

These values are based on standard nutritional information for the individual ingredients. Keep in mind that the total nutritional content of the Leberkäse will depend on the serving size and the specific cooking process.