If you are new to veganism, live the full-fledged vegan lifestyle, or are just craving one of the most nostalgic dishes from your childhood, then you need to stay right here!
We have an incredible meal that will not only tickle your tastebuds, keep you full and satisfied, but this tasty dish will also trick you into believing you are eating the real thing.
How is this possible we hear you ask?
Well, believe it or not, vegan food does not just consist of raw vegetables, salad, and juice, there are plenty of delectable dishes on offer, one of which we are excited to share with you.
Let us guide you towards making the best vegan meatloaf of your life.
What is meatloaf?
First and foremost, meatloaf is a meal that not everyone knows about all over the world and some may have never seen or tried it.
Let's start with what this traditional, hearty dish consists of, where it came from, and ultimately, how you can create a sensational vegan meatloaf at home in your kitchen.
While meatloaf is known all over North America as being a deliciously fulfilling option, its origins go way back to the 5th Century, so way before many of us (or our ancestors) were born, people around the world – particularly the Romans, were enjoying this meal.
Many dishes came to the USA with European immigrants who left Germany, Scandinavia, and The Netherlands, and the dish known as meatloaf today comes from the Dutch version.
Originating in Pennsylvania, by the Pennsylvania Dutch people, this was originally made using minced meat, corn meal, spices, and wheat flour, which were mixed and then fried.
Before it was known as meatloaf, this traditional dish was commonly known as scrapple, but don’t worry, the dish we are going to unveil is completely vegan and cruelty-free.
Today, there are a host of dishes that have been made vegan, including many traditional staples, which we have all come to love growing up, so if you were missing out on meatloaf, or just fancy trying out something new and oh so tasty, then you need to know about this winning vegan meatloaf.
How to make a vegan meatloaf?
Vegan meatloaf is exactly what it says on the tin (keep calm, it doesn’t come from a tin) - it is traditional meatloaf as we know it, made completely vegan.
While meatloaf is generally served as comfort food or on special occasions, having been created using leftovers, vegan meatloaf goes a step further to provide a host of nutritional benefits as well as a positive environmental impact – but more on this further along.
Vegan meatloaf is also known in other parts of the world as vegan nut roast, but whatever you know it as, we can all agree that this vegan dish is a game-changer for vegans and non-vegans alike.
The ultimate vegan meatloaf recipe we are about to unveil is an ideal dish to whip up as part of a Sunday lunch or a special occasion, but we won't hold it against you if you want to eat this every single day – we would too if we had the chance.
When it comes to sourcing ingredients for this recipe, always try to find fresh organic produce, sourced locally, if possible, this will provide more benefits to you and will make the result that little bit more special.
So, enough procrastinating – let us give you the all-important details on how to make this heavenly vegan recipe.
What you will need:
- A variety of nuts – Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pecans will work.
- Cremini Mushrooms
- Onion
- Celery
- Carrots
- Tomato Paste
- Soy Sauce
- Vegan breadcrumbs
- Ground flaxseed
- Garlic powder
- Parsley
- Vegan mushroom gravy
- Optional vegetable and potato side dishes for added deliciousness (vegan scalloped potatoes, vegan mashed potatoes, etc.)
That’s it!
Instructions:
Step 1: Ground the mixed nuts in a food processor until they are fully crushed. Place them in a mixing bowl and leave them until later on.
Step 2: Use the food processor to separately crush your cremini mushrooms, onions, and celery, and finally grate your carrots and set them aside.
Ste 3: In a frying pan, add some olive oil along with your crushed celery, onions, mushrooms, and grated carrots, as well as some tomato paste and soy sauce. Sautee until the vegetables are soft.
Step 4: Go back to the mixing bowl, and along with the crushed nuts, add in your flaxseed, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and parsley until blended.
Step 5: Lastly, add both of the mixtures together (the wet and the dry) until you get a doughy consistency, and finally add the mixture to a lined loaf tin. Bake for 50 minutes at 350°F.
Step 6: Serve sliced, with a drizzle of vegan mushroom gravy, a side of vegan mashed potatoes, and some vegetables.
The benefits of the ultimate vegan meatloaf
If you are a lover of the classic meatloaf, we can assure you that this vegan meatloaf will do its best at converting you.
Not only is the taste second to none, but the benefits of making this traditional dish, fully vegan, means that you can reap lots of benefits – more than you might think.
So, let's take a look.
- The most obvious benefit is that the meat-free version involves no animal products or byproducts, which means that animal welfare is at the forefront.
- As many of us know, the meat and fish industries are very harsh on our environment, and they contribute to 31% of our greenhouse gases, which are heating the earth. By going vegan, or at least opting to slowly convert by trying these meat-free recipes, you can rest assured you are doing your bit for the environment.
- Some of the incredible health benefits according to cardiologists include reducing your risk of heart disease (there is much less saturated fat in vegan dishes), reducing the chance of certain cancers, and helping to manage diabetes. As well as this, it promotes weight loss in a very healthy way, giving your body the nutrients, it needs, while cutting out the bad stuff.
- This vegan meatloaf has a host of nutritional benefits including being full of protein, fiber, and good fats, which keeps us full for longer and allows us to digest easier. Both the nuts and the flaxseeds in this vegan recipe helps to reduce inflammation in the body (70% of all disease is due to chronic inflammation).
- The celery contains 95% water, which keeps us hydrated as well as being a rich source of Vitamin K (to help with metabolism and blood clotting). Cremini mushrooms in particular help to soothe inflammation protect your heart and boost your gut health. Carrots are high in Vitamin A which helps us to fight off illness and infection.
- This vegan meatloaf is also full of antioxidants, beneficial plant compounds as well as Iron.
- It is a proven fact that by eating whole foods as well as seasonal foods, as opposed to processed foods, you can significantly reduce the risk of harm to the body, which can come in the form of the disease, high blood sugar levels, and high cholesterol.
So, if this all sounds like a dream diet, but you are not sure how or when to start, then keep reading for some valuable tips.
Conclusion
This vegan meatloaf recipe, with its wholesome ingredients, easy preparation, and delectable taste, is a testament to why many are embracing meat-free versions of traditional dishes.
Perfect for vegans and those curious about plant-based eating, it offers a comforting and flavorful addition to any meal plan. It's clear evidence of how satisfying and varied vegan cuisine can be, catering to anyone's comfort food cravings without compromising on taste.
For those considering a transition to a vegan lifestyle or simply aiming to reduce meat consumption, incorporating dishes like this into your diet can be a delightful and enlightening journey.
Initiatives like 'Meat-free Monday' serve as an excellent starting point, offering a glimpse into the rich world of vegan culinary options.
By substituting meat with plant-based alternatives, even just once a week, you'll discover the vast array of satisfying, hearty meals available.
This vegan meatloaf could be your gateway to exploring a more compassionate and health-conscious way of eating, promising an inspiring and delicious experience.