I was never a big fan of meatloaf growing up, but I decided to give it a second chance with this meat-free recipe. I used crimini mushrooms and store-bought breadcrumbs, but other than that I followed the recipe exactly. The end result was a hearty, filling meatloaf that I will definitely be making again. The brown rice, lentils and mushrooms give it a great texture and depth of flavor, while the other ingredients make it slightly sweet and a little salty and smokey, too. With gravy on top, this meatloaf would be a wonderful option for Thanksgiving dinner. I’m sure the leftovers are even better!
Meatloaf Remixed
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1/2 cup tomato paste
3 tablespoons tamari, divided
1 tablespoon dark agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons garlic, minced and divided
1/4 cup vegan margarine, divided
1 cup onion, chopped and divided
1 cup portobello mushrooms, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup carrot, finely diced
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
3/4 cup cooked brown rice
2 cups cooked French lentils
1 1/2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, minced
3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a small loaf pan with paper and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of tamari, agave, liquid smoke, and 1 tablespoon garlic. Set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons margarine and 1/2 cup onions. Sauté 5 minutes. Add the portobello mushrooms, and sauté for 7 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Add remaining 2 tablespoons margarine to the skillet and sauté the celery, carrot, remaining 2 teaspoons garlic, salt, and pepper over low heat. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a food processor, pulse the rice and lentils 10 times, then transfer to a large bowl. In the food processor, pulse cooked vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, remaining tablespoons tamari, mustard, parsley, arrowroot, and 1/3 cup of tomato topping 10 times, then add vegetable mixture to rice and lentils. Fold in reserved sautéed onions and mushrooms, breadcrumbs, and the 1/2 cup chopped onion.
4. Press half of the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and spread the top with half of the tomato topping. Then, press the rest of the mixture into the pan, and coat with the reaming tomato topping. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes until top is browned. Remove from oven and cool for 20 minutes before serving.
Recipe created by Allison Rivers Samson, Maven of Mmmm…
at www.AllisonsGourmet.com.
Originally printed in her award-winning column, ‘Veganize It!’ in VegNews Magazine.
Check out more of Allison’s recipes on our website, here. If you make any of Allison’s recipes we’d love to see some pics, so feel free to post them to our Facebook or Twitter pages!
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