“Vegan Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Plant-Based Twist!”

Serving size: 6-8 people
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked green lentils
• 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water (flax egg)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Put on your apron, dear! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Flax egg time! In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and set aside for 5 minutes. Get ready for some vegan magic. ✨
3. Sauté away! In a skillet over medium heat, cook the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. You’re building a flavor foundation, my friend!
4. Mix it up! In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, walnuts, oats, sautéed veggies, flax egg, ketchup, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly distributed and your vegan meatloaf dreams are coming true. 🌿
5. Transfer and press: Move the mixture into
6. the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down firmly with a spatula to ensure it holds its shape. Channel your inner potter and sculpt that loaf! 🍞
7. Glaze away! In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to create your delectable glaze. Spread it evenly over the top of the loaf. Voilà, a masterpiece! 🎨
8. Time for the oven! Bake your vegan meatloaf for 60 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the glaze is slightly caramelized. Patience, my dear. Great things take time. ⏳
9. Let it rest: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a serving plate. This step is crucial for keeping it together, so no skipping!
10. Slice and serve: Cut the vegan meatloaf into generous slices and serve with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your delicious, cruelty-free creation! 🍽️

A Brief History and Variations:

Meatloaf has been warming our hearts and bellies since the Roman Empire, but it really gained popularity in the United States during the Great Depression as an economical way to stretch limited meat resources. Now, with the plant-based revolution well underway, vegan meatloaf has emerged as a delicious and compassionate alternative.

This vegan meatloaf recipe is a fabulous canvas for variations. Feel free to switch up the veggies, replace walnuts with pecans, or experiment with different herbs and spices. Want a different glaze? Try mixing BBQ sauce with maple syrup for a sweet and smoky touch. The possibilities are endless, and your taste buds will thank you!