Whether for Christmas, other festivities or for those nights you simply want something really hearty, this moist and healthy chickpea loaf will make a great centerpiece on your table.
Do you realize that it’s less than one month till Christmas? I guess, since Black Friday and Cyber Monday everyone is on a Christmas gift spending free. As my boyfriend and I will be moving around Christmas, it won’t be as restful and pieceful this year for us. Nevertheless, family time is still a top priority – after all, that’s the best part about Christmas, don’t you agree?
And what else can’t be missed on Christmas? No, not the gifts. Yes, music, of course. But what I meant is the Christmas dinner. Many of of you might be having a certain traditional meal every year. Apart from meat for my parents and my younger sister, we will propably be having potatoes and peas – as usual. My older sister and I will then make some kind of vegan dish to go along with that. In case you are also planning your vegan Chrismas dinner, then I’ve got something for you today.
How about a vegan chickpea loaf? The recipe is fairly simple and doesn’t require fancy kitchen equipment – an advantage when you are overwhelmed with Christmas stress. A pan, a stove and an oven are all you need. A large mixing bowl, a spoon and a pair of clean hands will also be beneficial.
The base of this loaf is – of course – chickpeas. Add some celery, carrot, leek, and a few spieces and herbs; press it into a baking dish, brush the tomato glaze on top and put it in the oven. Now you’ve got 45 minutes to take care of other important things like setting the table.
Ding! The chickpea loaf is done! Take it out of the oven, let it cool slightly, slice it up and enjoy your delicious Christmas dinner. Sounds great? It is!
I hope you will try this recipe and maybe share it on Christmas with your loved ones. My boyfriend and I’ve had it two times during the past two weeks and will probably make it again before the Holidays. Add a few cooked potatoes and green beans on the side and you’ve got yourself a healthy and delicious dinner. Enjoy!
PrintChickpea Loaf
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Whether for Christmas, other festivities or for those nights you simply want something really hearty, this moist and healthy chickpea loaf will make a great centerpiece on your table.
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 2 gloves garlic
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 leek
- 2 sticks of celery
- 2 cans chickpeas
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp marjoram, dried
- 1 tsp thyme, dried
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp vegan worcestershire sauce ((alternatively use ketchup))
- 1/2–1 tsp mustard
- 1/3–2/3 cup quick-cooking oats (30-60g)
Glaze
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp soy sauce or tamari
Instructions
- Combine the ground flaxseeds with 6 tbsp warm water and put aside.
- Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Peel the carrot and dice as well. Slice up the celery and leek and wash thouroughly.
- Sautée onion and garlic in a bit of water or oil for about 1 min. Add carrot, celery, leek and a pinch of salt and cook for 6-8 min until the leek has softened. You might need to add a bit more water to prevent the vegetables from burning.
- Preheat the oven to 340 °F (170 °C).
- Rinse and drain the chickpeas and mash in a big bowl using a potato masher or a fork until only a few whole chickpeas remain.
- Now add the flax mixture, mustard, worcestershire sauce and all spices and mix in. Lastly, add the oats and the cooked vegetables. Using clean hands, knead to combine.
- Add the mixture to a baking or bread dish lined with baking paper. Press to even out.
- Stir together the ingredients for the glaze and brush the loaf.
- Bake for 40-45 min. Take it out of the oven and let it cool for 2-5 min. Take the loaf out of the dish by lifting the baking paper. Slice and serve.
Notes
With 1/3 cup oats the texture of the loaf is quite moist. If you prefer a firmer load, use 2/3 – 3/4 cup oats.
If you are using a wider baking dish, you may have to double the ingredients for the glaze and reduce the baking time a bit.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
Nathalie says
This looks so good 😍 Do you need to take the skins off the chickpeas or can you leave them on?
Melanie J says
Thanks, Nathalie! You can totally leave them on, no need to peel them 😉
Stacy says
It took longer than 10 minutes to prep but it was very good!
★★★★★
Melanie J says
Maybe I should change that number 🙂 Thanks, Stacy!