Chickpeas, sometimes also called garbanzo beans, are my new favorite legume. Cheap when you buy them in bulk, as with most dried beans. But unlike most beans which I find bland and boring on their own, chickpeas are naturally packed with flavor. They are also healthy and fantastically versatile. I’ve been making falafel, hummus, and chickpea stir-fries a lot lately. Now I wanted to try something a little bit different. This a meatless version of meatloaf which is not only vegetarian but vegan to boot. It can be eaten with mashed potatoes and veggie gravy, or just with some ketchup and frozen “american mix” in true college student fashion. Enjoy.
Faux Meatloaf
Inspired by This recipe and this one
3 cups chickpeas (soaked overnight then boiled 50 mins)
1/2 c cooking water
2 tbs vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 large white onion, chopped
2 tbs soy sauce
1 tsp cumin
1/2-1 tsp coriander
2 tbs tomato paste
1 tbs apple cider vinegar
salt & pepper to taste
a few shakes of chili power
polenta flour or bread crumbs
1. Preheat oven to 190°c/375°F
2. Soak the chickpeas in a bowl with water overnight. Then rinse chickpeas and boil them on low heat for 50mins-1h until soft.
3. Add all ingredients to food processor except polenta/breadcrumbs and process until smooth. If you do not have a food processor this step can also be done by mashing the chickpeas in a large bowl with a potato masher and then mixing all the spices and other ingredients in by hand.
4. Once the chickpeas have reached a smooth consistency remove the mixture from the food processor and put it in a large bowl. Begin to add polenta/breadcrumbs and mix with your hands until the mixture begins to form into a ball and become workable. Place the mixture in a greased oven dish and form into a loaf.
5. Bake the loaf for 40-45 mins until it begins to form a nice crispy crust. Let cool for 5-10 mins before cutting. Serve with potatoes or rice, and your choice of vegetables.
Some other ingredients that would work well with this recipe (but which I didn’t have on hand) would be: mushrooms, celery, grated carrot, and maybe some dried sage.