This Ham Loaf with Curried Rice is a hearty, retro-style dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Combining the savory richness of ham and pork with the wholesomeness of wheat germ, eggs, and cracker crumbs, this recipe was designed to stretch ingredients while delivering comforting flavor. The curried rice side dish adds a warm, lightly spiced complement with mushrooms, tomato sauce, and butter, making it an all-in-one meal. It’s a classic example of mid-century American creativity with pantry staples.
Ingredients
For the Ham Loaf:
- 2 eggs (beaten )
- 1 can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup milk
- 4 wheat biscuits (e.g. shredded wheat or Weetabix-style)
- ¼ cup wheat germ
- 1 cup cracker crumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp mustard
- 2 cups ground ham ( or diced ham, sausage meat or pork)
For the Curried Rice:
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1½ cups rice
- ½ cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp curry powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Butter (to dot on top)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham Loaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine beaten eggs, tomato sauce, and milk.
- Crumble in wheat biscuits and let soak for a few minutes.
- Add wheat germ, cracker crumbs, salt, mustard, ham, and sausage or pork.
- Mix thoroughly until combined.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Loaf
- Form the mixture into a loaf and place in a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–55 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned on top.
Step 3: Prepare the Curried Rice
- In a separate bowl, mix together the second can of tomato sauce, rice, mushrooms, olive oil, and curry powder.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon around the ham loaf in the baking dish or bake separately.
- Dot the rice with butter before baking.
Tips
- Substitute part of the diced ham with ground pork for a softer, more traditional meatloaf texture.
- Add finely chopped onion or celery for extra flavor and moisture.
- Use crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs if wheat biscuits are unavailable.
- Replace wheat germ with rolled oats for a budget-friendly option.
- Add a dash of brown sugar or vinegar to the tomato sauce for a sweet-tangy glaze.
- Mix curry powder directly into the loaf if you want a spiced variation.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered peas for a true vintage-style meal.
- For a firmer loaf, chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Double the recipe and freeze one loaf unbaked for later.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 13gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 1293mgPotassium: 643mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 811IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 3mg
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