(Almost) Classic Chickpea Vegan Meatloaf

Tekno Id April 30, 2019
Like, if at all possible, I’d like to have had at least some authentic-ish version of a dish before sharing my own take. I’ll hear about something that sounds really awesome, maybe some exotic international dish that I just haven’t had much opportunity to try, and then seek out a restaurant a version of that dish that I can eat, so when I make my own I at least know I’m on track.

This hearty vegan meatloaf is made from a base of seasoned chickpeas, baked up to perfection and topped with a flavorful maple glaze. It’s not quite a classic meatloaf. It’s better.

Serve 8
Cook in 1h 5m

Ingredients
For the Chickpea Meatloaf
2-14 oz. cans or 3 1/3 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup unflavored soy or almond milk
3 tbsp. vegan Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp. soy sauce or tamari
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. ground flax seeds
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. liquid smoke
1/4 tsp. black pepper

For the Maple Glaze
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tbsp. maple syrup
2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp. soy sauce or tamari
1 tsp. paprika

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly oil a 9 inch loaf pan and arrange a strip of parchment paper width-wise along the center, with just a bit hanging over the sides.
  • Working in batches if needed, place all meatloaf ingredients into food processor bowl and pulse until chickpeas are broken up and ingredients are well mixed, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Do not overblend. If working in batches, transfer each batch to a large mixing bowl when complete and then mix by hand.
  • Press mixture into prepared loaf pan and bake 30 minutes.
  • While meatloaf bakes, stir glaze ingredients together in a small bowl.
  • Remove loaf from oven after 30 minutes and spoon glaze overtop of loaf. Bake another 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool at least 10 minutes before cutting.


 Tips

  • Mix everything up in batches if needed. I used an 11 cup food processor and still it was a tight squeeze!
  • Don’t overblend. Please, please, please don’t do it! Check out my shots above: the mixture is chunky! There’s even a whole chickpea or two in there. This gives your loaf texture and keeps it from being mushy.
  • I’ve tried a few different loaf pans and had the best luck with a glass Pyrex pan.
  • The loaf firms up over time. So if you like a nice, firm vegan meatloaf, make it well in advance so it has time to sit.
  • Leftovers can be heated in the microwave or popped in the oven for a few minutes. Oh, and they make an awesome sandwich!



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