Vegetable Meatloaf

The vegetable meatloaf is a versatile and nutritious dish, excellent for those who follow a vegetarian diet or simply want to integrate more vegetables into their meals. Here is a recipe for a vegetable meatloaf with an Italian twist:

Ingredients

• 500 g of mixed vegetables (for example, zucchini, carrots, eggplants, spinach)
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 egg (if you are vegetarian or prefer not to use it, you can replace it with a flax or chia “egg”)
• 100 g of breadcrumbs
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Aromatic herbs to taste (basil, parsley, thyme)
• Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

1. Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic and sauté them in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil until golden.
2. Meanwhile, wash and cut the chosen vegetables into small pieces to facilitate cooking.
3. Add the vegetables to the pan with onion and garlic, cooking until they are tender. If necessary, you can add a little water to prevent sticking.
4. Once cooked, let the vegetables cool slightly, then transfer them to a large bowl.
5. Incorporate the egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture. If it’s too moist, add more breadcrumbs.
6. Prepare a baking pan by greasing it with some oil or lining it with parchment paper, then form the loaf with the vegetable mixture and place it in the pan.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 30-40 minutes or until golden.
8. Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into slices and serving.

Fun Fact

The vegetable meatloaf is a dish that allows for great variability of ingredients based on the season and personal taste. Traditionally in Italian cuisine, meatloaf is mainly a meat-based dish, but the vegetarian version is gaining popularity thanks to its versatility and the growing attention to plant-based diets.

It can be served with a simple tomato sauce or a side of roasted potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.