| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 580 | 44g | 17g | 6g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 0.5g | 38g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Dutch Slavinken with Gravy
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The moment I first tasted Slavinken with Gravy, I was transported back to family dinners and the kind of hearty meals that nourish the body and soul. This quintessential Dutch dish has a special place in my heart and my kitchen. The aroma of sizzling bacon wrapping the tender pork and beef, combined with the rich, savory gravy, is absolutely irresistible.
Where Culinary Worlds Collide
At first glance, you might think Slavinken with Gravy is just another meat dish. However, it beautifully fuses components that I already adore from my own culinary heritage—think of it as a comforting cousin to a French meatloaf or Creole-stuffed meat rolls. Both traditions focus on rich, layered flavors, and this recipe doesn’t disappoint in that aspect, either. The combination of ground pork and beef adds a complexity that’s elevated by the salty, crisp bacon wrapping.
A Homely Touch
What I love most about this recipe is its straightforward yet deeply satisfying nature. The mixture of breadcrumbs, milk, and an egg binds the meat together impeccably, adding a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s evocative of the more rustic, down-to-earth recipes you’d find in my blog, which often celebrate comfort and tradition. Take the time to sauté the onions until golden and caramelized, and you’ll achieve a gravy that’s nothing short of extraordinary. I recommend William Woys Weaver’s take on traditional European dishes, which has given me plenty of inspiration over the years.
For those who love to pair their meals with side dishes, this recipe works exceptionally well with mashed potatoes or even a simple green bean almondine. The richness of the gravy complements these sides perfectly, making it a versatile addition to any family dinner table.
If you’re a fan of hearty, home-cooked meals, you’re going to love Slavinken with Gravy as much as I do. It’s a dish that invites you to sit down, take your time, and savor every bite. From the first mouthful, it promises to deliver a sense of homeliness and warmth that few other dishes can match.
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What You’ll Need
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1.5 lbs ground pork
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step Two
Divide the meat mixture into six equal portions. Shape each portion into a sausage-like log. Wrap each log with two slices of bacon.
Step Three
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and stopped foaming, add the slavinken and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step Four
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
Step Five
Remove the slavinken from the skillet and set them aside, keeping them warm. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and add the finely chopped onion. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step Six
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onion and stir well to combine. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your liking.
Step Seven
Return the slavinken to the skillet, spooning some of the gravy over them to coat. Allow them to heat through for a few minutes.
Step Eight
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the slavinken with gravy immediately. Enjoy!
