Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of the Czech Republic with this classic comfort food, Sekaná s vejcem. Commonly known as meatloaf with egg, this beloved dish encapsulates the essence of hearty Czech cuisine. Ground meat seasoned to perfection, mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, is formed into a loaf and baked to golden perfection. However, what sets Sekaná s vejcem apart is the surprise nestled within – a perfectly cooked egg at its center, adding a delightful richness to every slice. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, and perhaps a dollop of sharp mustard, this dish is a staple on Czech dinner tables, invoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a family meal or a comforting solo indulgence, Sekaná s vejcem promises to satisfy cravings and transport you to the heart of Czech culinary tradition.

Here's a recipe for Czech Sekaná s vejcem:

Ingredients:

For the meatloaf:

• 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

For serving:

• Eggs (1 per serving)
• Salt and pepper
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, dried marjoram, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.

3- Form the meat mixture into individual loaves or patties, depending on your preference. Traditionally, Sekaná s vejcem is served as individual portions.

4- Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatloaves and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

5- Transfer the browned meatloaves to a baking dish and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

6- While the meatloaves are baking, prepare the eggs. You can either poach or fry them according to your preference. For poached eggs, bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer, then carefully crack the eggs into the water and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. For fried eggs, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.

7- Once the meatloaves are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

8- To serve, place a meatloaf on each plate and top it with a poached or fried egg. Season the egg with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

9- Serve the Sekaná s vejcem hot, accompanied by your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Enjoy your delicious Czech meatloaf with a perfectly cooked egg on top!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Czech Sekaná s vejcem recipe, per serving:

Ground beef (or beef and pork mix):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, important for overall health and energy metabolism.

Onion:

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2.5g
• Fiber: 0.5g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants like quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Good source of vitamin C and fiber, beneficial for immune function and digestive health.

Garlic:

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:

• Known for its potent medicinal properties, including its ability to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Contains sulfur compounds that have been linked to various health benefits, including improved cholesterol levels and blood pressure regulation.

Breadcrumbs:

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 0.5g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates for energy, important for fueling daily activities and workouts.
• Adds texture and helps bind the meatloaf together, enhancing its overall taste and consistency.

Egg:

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and choline, important for brain health, bone health, and metabolism.

Mustard:

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0.3g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and phytonutrients that may help protect against certain diseases and promote overall health.
• Adds flavor to dishes without adding extra calories or fat.

Dried marjoram:

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Fiber: 0.3g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help improve digestion and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Adds flavor and aroma to dishes, enhancing their overall taste and appeal.

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and cooking methods. These values are based on standard serving sizes and should be used as a general guideline.