Meet the ultimate Vegan Meatloaf – it's incredibly tasty and has that meaty feel, just like the classic kind. Whether it's a special celebration or a regular dinner, this lentil and mushroom loaf is a winner. Even those who usually love meat will be impressed!
Here's a recipe for Vegetarian Mushroom Meatloaf, a delicious and hearty alternative to traditional meatloaf.
Ingredients:
For the Mushroom Mixture:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
16 ounces (450g) mushrooms, finely chopped
1 teaspoon thyme, dried
1 teaspoon rosemary, dried
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Meatloaf Mixture:
2 cups cooked lentils
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor, if desired).
2 large eggs (or substitute with flax eggs for a vegan alternative).
1/4 cup ketchup or barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian version if needed)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Mushroom Mixture:
In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in chopped mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and it evaporates. Set aside to cool.
Tip:
Saute the Mushrooms Well:
Ensure they are well-cooked and most moisture has evaporated during sautéing. This intensifies their flavor and prevents the meatloaf from becoming too moist.
Mix Up the Mushroom Varieties: Experiment with a mix of different mushroom varieties, such as cremini, shiitake, and portobello, to add depth and complexity to the flavor.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), eggs, ketchup or barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the prepared mushroom mixture.
Tip:
Season Generously: Don't shy away from seasoning. Use a variety of herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, garlic, and onion powder to elevate the overall taste.
Add Umami Boosters: Enhance the umami flavor by incorporating ingredients like soy sauce, miso paste, or nutritional yeast into the mixture.
Play with Textures: For added texture, consider adding finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or seeds to the meatloaf mixture.
Form the Loaf:
Pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan, molding it into a loaf shape.
Tip:
Let Flavors Meld: Allow the mixture to sit for a little while before baking. This gives the ingredients time to meld, allowing the flavors to develop more fully.
Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together ketchup and brown sugar. Spread this glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
Tip:
Experiment with Glaze: Modify the glaze to suit your taste. Try incorporating Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, or a touch of maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.
Include Fresh Herbs: Add a handful of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to brighten up the flavor profile.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until the top is browned and the meatloaf is cooked through.
Rest and Serve:
Let the meatloaf sit for a few minutes before cutting into slices. Serve slices with your favorite sides.
Tip:
Serve with Flavorful Sides:
Pair the meatloaf with tasty sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a tangy salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Grate Extra Cheese:
If you enjoy a cheesy flavor, grate a bit of extra Parmesan or your favorite cheese into the mixture.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Vegetarian Mushroom Meatloaf! Feel free to change things up in the recipe with your favorite herbs, spices, or extra veggies. Get creative and throw in whatever you love to make it uniquely yours!
#vegan #mushroom #meatloaf #plantbased
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