Rustic Italian Vegan Meatloaf • Plant Based Chickpea Loaf

Discover the heartwarming flavors of Italy with Nonna’s Italian Vegan Meatloaf! Packed with wholesome ingredients like zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms, this meatless loaf is bursting with savory goodness. A medley of aromatic herbs and spices brings out the authentic Italian taste in every bite. Finished with Nonna’s signature glaze—a perfect blend of tomato paste, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar—it offers a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the rich, savory loaf. A true Italian classic, reimagined!

INGREDIENTS:

-- Veggie Mix/Wet Mix: Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons Garlic Cloves, chopped: 3 Onions, medium: 2 Zucchinis, medium: 3 Carrots, medium: 3 Sweet Potato, grated: 1 Celery, chopped: 1 bunch Mushrooms, minced: 2 cans (284 ml can x 2) Tomatoes, peeled and chopped: 1 can (14 oz ) Italian Parsley, chopped: ½ cup Sea Salt: 1 tablespoon -- Dry Mix: Uncooked Rice: 6 oz Oat Flour: 1 cup Flax seed, ground: 3 tablespoons Bread or Panko Crumbs: 1 cup Chickpeas, crushed: 2 cans (19 oz can x 2) Sea Salt: 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon Ginger, ground: 1 teaspoon Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon Walnuts, crushed: 1 cup -- Glaze Topping: Tomato Paste: 1 can (5.5 oz) Maple Syrup: 6 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar: 6 tablespoons Sea Salt: 1 teaspoon

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DIRECTIONS:

Veggie Prep

1. Heat a large skillet over high heat.
2. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, followed by the chopped garlic and onions. Sauté until fragrant and golden.
3. Add the celery and cook briefly, about a minute.
4. Stir in the zucchini and let it cook for another minute.
5. Toss in the carrots along with a sprinkle of sea salt and cook for a minute.
6. Mix in the grated sweet potatoes and cook for a short minute.
7. Finally, fold in the mushrooms, peeled tomatoes, and a handful of chopped Italian parsley. Let everything cook together for another minute.
8. Remove from heat and allow the vegetable mixture to cool completely.

Main Prep

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled vegetables.
2. Stir in oat flour and ground flax seeds, giving it a quick mix.
3. Add the cooked rice and mix thoroughly.
4. Fold in panko bread crumbs and the mashed chickpeas.
5. Season generously with Italian herbs, black pepper, sea salt, ginger, and crushed walnuts.
6. Mix everything together by hand, ensuring all ingredients are evenly combined. Nonna’s way? A good minute of hand mixing to get the perfect texture!
7. Press the mixture firmly into parchment-lined loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spoon to ensure a clean, even surface.

Glaze the Loaves

1. Combine all glaze ingredients in a jar or container with a tight lid.
2. Shake vigorously to blend everything into a smooth glaze.
3. Spread an even layer of the glaze over the top of each loaf.

Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Bake the loaves for 45 minutes, or until they’re firm and cooked through.

Watch Nonna Make a Rustic Italian Vegan Meatloaf!

Tips to Enhance your Homemade Vegan Loaf Experience!

1. Sauté Vegetables for Maximum Flavor
   Cooking the vegetables in olive oil and garlic over high heat enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the loaf.
   
   
2. Cool the Veggie Mixture
   Allowing the sautéed vegetables to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients prevents the loaf from becoming too soft or difficult to shape.
   
   
3. Use Fresh Herbs
   Fresh Italian parsley and quality Italian seasoning elevate the flavor of the loaf, giving it an authentic Italian taste.
   
   
4. Hand-Mix for the Best Texture
   Mixing the ingredients by hand ensures even distribution and helps bind the mixture better, creating a firm, sliceable loaf.
   
   
5. Line Your Loaf Pan with Parchment
   Parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes removing the loaf from the pan much easier after baking.
   
   
6. Shake Your Glaze Thoroughly
   Mix the glaze ingredients in a sealed jar or container and shake vigorously. This ensures a smooth consistency that spreads evenly over the loaf.
   
   

Did you Know?

Inspired by Italian Polpettone
This vegan meatloaf takes inspiration from polpettone, a traditional Italian meatloaf often made with a mix of meats, vegetables, and herbs, showcasing Italy’s love for rustic, hearty dishes.

Classic Italian Seasoning Touch
The recipe uses Italian staples like parsley, garlic, and Italian seasoning, which are essential in creating the signature Mediterranean flavor profile found in many traditional dishes.

Tomato-Based Glaze Tradition
The glaze, featuring tomato paste and balsamic vinegar, is reminiscent of Italy's long-standing tradition of balancing sweet and tangy flavors, often seen in tomato-based sauces and marinades.

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