Vegan Meatloaf
In this season of gratitude, let's celebrate compassion not just for each other but for our animal friends as well. I recently reminisced about my time living in a sanctuary where a rescued turkey named Elijah stole my heart with her incredible personality. Inspired by her, I want to share a delightful recipe that not only honors the spirit of Thanksgiving but also leaves turkeys off your plate.
**Ingredients:**
*Stuffing:*
- Medium onion, thinly chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 8 oz Omni strips, thinly chopped (or any other vegan meat)
- 150 gr cooked chestnuts, minced finely
- 1/8 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1 tbsp shallot sauce
- Salt to taste
- 3 tbsp cranberry sauce
- 1.5 tbsp thyme
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup broth
*Meatloaf:*
- 1 cup + 1/4 cup oats
- 1 cup cooked black lentils + 1/2 cup
- 2.5 packages of Ground Omnipork (or any other vegan ground meat)
- 2 tsp mushroom powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp rubbed sage
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten-free)
- 3 tbsp nooch (nutritional yeast)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of 5 spice
*Glaze:*
- 4 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp tamari
- 2 tbsp balsamic
- 2 tbsp veg honey
**Method:**
1. Start by preparing the stuffing, following the listed order of ingredients. Once caramelized, add breadcrumbs and cook until golden. Add broth and cook until absorbed. Set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 375F.
3. In a food processor, grind oats into a thin flour. Add one cup of lentils and process until mixed. Add omnipork and all seasonings.
4. In a bowl, combine the meatloaf mix with the remaining half cup of black lentils.
5. Place half of the meatloaf mix into a meatloaf pan. Create a boat shape in the center with a spoon for the stuffing. Add about half a cup of stuffing and extend it longwise.
6. Cover with the other half of the meatloaf mix.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes at 375F.
8. Remove from the oven and apply the glaze mix.
9. Continue baking for another 20-30 minutes or until the glaze thickens.
Conclusion:
This Stuffed Meatloaf not only satisfies your taste buds but also embodies the spirit of compassion, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. Let's celebrate the season with a dish that brings joy without sacrificing our animal friends.
