Krelan me Mish të Tretur
Cornbread with Minced Meat
A hearty and savory cornbread dish where a flavorful mixture of minced meat, onions, and spices is baked within or layered with a moist cornmeal batter. This dish combines the rustic charm of cornbread with the satisfying richness of a meat filling, making it a popular choice for a filling meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Cornmeal
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1.5 cups Milk
- 1/2 cup Butter(melted)
- 400 g Minced meat (beef or lamb)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(for sautéing)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease and flour a baking dish (approx. 9x13 inch).
💡 Tip: Ensuring the dish is well-greased prevents sticking. - 2
Prepare the meat filling: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
💡 Tip: Sautéing the onion brings out its sweetness. - 3
Add the minced meat to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
💡 Tip: Breaking up the meat ensures even cooking. - 4
Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Toast the spices briefly to release their aroma. - 5
Remove the skillet from heat and set the meat mixture aside.
💡 Tip: Allow the filling to cool slightly before layering. - 6
Prepare the cornbread batter: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
💡 Tip: Whisking dry ingredients ensures even distribution of leavening agents. - 7
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter.
💡 Tip: Ensure the butter is not too hot when adding to the eggs. - 8
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
💡 Tip: Overmixing can lead to a tough cornbread. - 9
Pour half of the cornbread batter into the prepared baking dish.
💡 Tip: Spread the batter evenly. - 10
Spoon the meat filling evenly over the batter.
💡 Tip: Leave a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out. - 11
Pour the remaining cornbread batter over the meat filling, covering it completely.
💡 Tip: Gently spread the top layer to create a smooth surface. - 12
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean.
💡 Tip: Baking time may vary depending on your oven. - 13
Let cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving.
💡 Tip: Allowing it to cool makes it easier to slice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat filling.
- ✓Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side of yogurt.
- ✓This dish is also delicious served with a fresh salad or pickled vegetables.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat filling.
- Layer the meat filling between two thinner layers of cornbread batter.