In the past few years, my family has had a tradition of Meatless Mondays. We try not to eat meat more than a couple of times a week, but on Mondays we eat only vegetarian dishes, meaning no meat, chicken or fish. Since I do not eat carbs either, Meatless Monday is a bit of a challenge. I always try to find new dishes that will please my teenage son’s well-developed sense of taste, and will accommodate my wife’s diet.
Like many homes, meatloaf is one of our favorite comfort foods. But what do you do if you need “comfort” on Monday? You prepare a Veggie Loaf!
Ingredients
2 cups chickpeas cooked
1 ½ cups green pea
2 carrots grated
1 ½ cups kabusha
1 onion diced
3 garlic cloves minced
1 cup roasted chestnuts
2 eggs
3 TBS panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp turmeric
½ tsp baharat
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 TBS olive oil
In a food processor grind the chickpeas into small grains. Use pulses so the chickpeas won’t become a paste. In a heavy skillet warm olive oil. Add onion and fry to golden. Add carrot, kabusha and garlic and continue frying until tender (4-5 minutes). Let cool. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. (If it’s too dry add 1-2 TBS olive oil, if wet add a little breadcrumbs)
Heat oven to 385 F (190 C). Oil an english cake pan, pour in the mix and press. Bake for 50 minutes. After 50 minutes take loaf out, spread 1 TBS on the loaf, then some panko and grated parmesan cheese. Increase oven heat to broil and roast a few more minutes until brown. Be careful not to burn it.
