Meatless Meatloaf Recipe: A Festive Vegetarian Dish Everyone Will Love

Meatless Meatloaf Recipe: A Festive Dish for All Guests

This Christmas, delight all your guests including vegetarians and vegans with a delicious meatless meatloaf. Paired with baked potatoes or grilled vegetables, it’s a satisfying, hearty dish that brings everyone to the table.

This recipe swaps traditional meat with a wholesome combination of lentils, zucchini, carrots, potatoes, and Parmigiano Reggiano (optional for vegans). The result is a flavorful, tender loaf that’s impossible to resist!

Ingredients for 6 people

350 g dried lentils
1 egg
1 zucchini
1 carrot
50 g grated Parmigiano Reggiano
1 large potato
1 onion
a bunch of parsley
breadcrumbs to taste
sale qb
black pepper to taste
extra virgin olive oil to taste

Instructions for Meatless Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cook the Lentils: Wash the lentils and cook them in boiling water for about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Steam the Potato: Peel the potato, cut it into cubes, and steam until soft. Mash and set aside.
3. Prep the Vegetables: Wash and dice the zucchini, carrot, and celery. Peel and chop the onion.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion, zucchini, carrot, and celery for about 10 minutes. Add salt to taste.

Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Base

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, mashed potato, sautéed vegetables, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano (if using).
2. Add the egg (or flaxseed egg for a vegan version), salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix until you achieve a uniform consistency.

Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf

1. Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of baking paper. Shape it into a meatloaf and coat the surface with breadcrumbs.
2. Place the loaf into a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the loaf in the baking paper to help it hold its shape.

Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) with fan mode.
2. Bake the meatloaf for 35–40 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and slice before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This meatless meatloaf pairs perfectly with:

• Baked potatoes
• Grilled vegetables
• Pea puree
• Creamy polenta

For a festive presentation, garnish with arugula and cherry tomatoes or any other creative touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian meatloaf is an easy, flavorful dish that works beautifully for Christmas dinner or any occasion. It’s a versatile recipe that satisfies vegetarians, vegans, and even meat-lovers with its hearty texture and delicious taste.