Dive into the rich culinary heritage of the Czech Republic with Sekaná, a traditional dish that epitomizes comfort and flavor. Sekaná, a savory meatloaf often prepared with ground pork or beef, onions, garlic, and herbs, is a staple on Czech dining tables and a beloved comfort food across generations. Join us on a gastronomic journey to explore the origins, ingredients, and techniques behind this hearty dish, as well as its cultural significance in Czech cuisine. From family gatherings to festive celebrations, Sekaná embodies the warmth and hospitality of Czech cooking, inviting you to indulge in its robust flavors and timeless appeal.

Here's a traditional recipe for Czech Republic Sekaná:

Ingredients:

• 500g ground pork
• 500g ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 slices of white bread, soaked in milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon marjoram
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter or oil for greasing

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan or baking dish with butter or oil.

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and beef.

3- Squeeze excess milk from the soaked bread slices and add them to the meat mixture.

4- Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, marjoram, salt, and pepper to the bowl.

5- Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. You can use your hands for this step, but be careful not to overmix.

6- Transfer the mixture into the greased loaf pan or baking dish, shaping it into a loaf shape.

7- Place the pan or dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and nicely browned on top. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center – it should come out clean when the meatloaf is cooked.

8- Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

9- Serve the Sekaná slices warm with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or Czech-style sauerkraut.

Enjoy your delicious Czech Republic Sekaná, packed with flavor and comfort!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Czech Republic Sekaná recipe, based on typical values:

Ground Pork (500g):

• Calories: 1400 kcal
• Protein: 92g
• Fat: 112g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, and iron.

Ground Beef (500g):

• Calories: 1100 kcal
• Protein: 90g
• Fat: 80g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in high-quality protein, vital for building and repairing tissues.
• Contains important nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which support overall health.

Onion (1 medium):

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants like quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Good source of fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Known for its potent medicinal properties, including boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Contains compounds like allicin, which have antibacterial and antiviral effects.

White Bread (2 slices):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates, the body's primary source of energy.
• Contains some protein and small amounts of essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

Eggs (2 large):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and choline, which support brain health and function.

Breadcrumbs (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Adds texture and helps bind the ingredients together in the meatloaf.
• Can contribute to the dish's overall carbohydrate content, providing energy.

Parsley (2 tablespoons chopped):

• Calories: 1 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
• May have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, supporting overall health and well-being.

Marjoram (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Adds flavor to the dish and complements the other herbs and spices.
• Contains antioxidants and may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands and preparation methods.