should I saute my vegetables before adding them to the meatloaf?!
Answers:
You can make a decent meatloaf without sauteeing the veg, but you can't make a GREAT meatloaf without sauteeing the veg. The reason for this is that onions and bell pepper contain a lot of water, and if you incorporate them uncooked, they will steam in the meat as it cooks and leach liquid into it, changing the consistency and character of the texture and flavor. By sauteeing the vegetables first, you will bring out their natural sugars, and increase the depth of the flavor as well as protecting the integrity of your meatloaf. Another meatloaf secret that you might not know is to always shape the loaf and put it in a large, shallow-sided pan instead of cooking it in a loaf pan; that way you'll have a nice crusty outside instead of an unevenly cooked loaf.
Bon Apetit.
It is a little hard to answer this question, since you have not specified to what vegetables you are referring. If you mean onion and green pepper, the most commonly used vegetables in meatloaf, they do not have to be cooked before adding. They will cook as the meatloaf cooks. As to any other vegetables, it would depend on what they are. I personally have had no experience with adding any vegetables except onion and green pepper to meatloaf.
I sometimes saute my vegetables before adding them to my meatloaf. I add a little olive oil, garlic (fresh and chopped) carrots (very finely diced into tiny pieces) onion, and celery. I also add a little dried thyme, basil, parsley, pepper and a tiny bit of salt cooking over medium low heat until the onions are not too transparent or I take the lazy way out, putting all the above vegetables into a blender and blending them together adding that to my meatloaf mixture. This helps keep it more tender or moist.
GOOD LUCK!
I never do, but now that you mentioned it I will try it next time. It will add a nice kick to the meatloaf. Thanks for the idea.
Sorry to answer your question....Yes saute away my friend :0)
It's not necessary, but if you have the time and want to do it, it wouldn't hurt
It's not essential, but may improve the flavor.
There is no need.
if you want to, it will be fine either way
