Tuesday, May 28, 2013

People who have made meatloaf, need your help?

Q. http://www.food.com/recipe/really-good-vegetarian-meatloaf-really-33921

I made a vegetarian meatloaf, but before I became vegetarian, I never really had meatloaf. Much less I don't know what it supposed to taste like. I followed the recipe and the top of the loaf was done but the inside was somewhat mushy. It's good though, but I'm not sure if this is what supposed to happen? Do I need to put it in the oven longer? I'm not sure. Thanks!

A. Being that the main ingredient is boiled/mashed lentils, that is probably what is giving your meatloaf a mushy consistency. You might want to look at some non-vegetarian recipes and get an idea for how they are made with meat. Generally, they also have an extender in them (like breadcrumbs) which may help your texture issue. Other items to use as "filling" could be cooked rice, crumbled corn bread or crumbled whole wheat bread. Depending on what kind of bread you use, like a pumpernickel or rye, additional flavor may be imparted to the final product.

Additional cooking may also help the mushiness factor but in this case, I think it's the general nature of the ingredients that's making it mushy. Once baked, try letting it cool, slice it into 3/4" slices and fry it in a frying pan with a little oil (kind of like a hamburger patty) and use it for meatloaf sandwiches. The frying may help form a crunchy (or at least toothsome) layer of crispiness.


Anyone have any tasty, HEALTHY vegan/vegetarian recipes? ?
Q. I want to use more lentils and beans too!

Only thing is I hate zucchini and cucumber and peas (beans are fine, I don't know why)


I'm not looking for websites (unless you've got a really good one) just want to shake it up a bit, I love to cook. Nothing with too much cheese or fat thanks, I don't like that yuck feeling I get after something fatty or oily.

A. Vegetarian sushi
Chili made with lentils
Kusherie
Veggie meatloaf
Noodle soups


Former meatloaf consumers, need your help?
Q. http://www.food.com/recipe/really-good-vegetarian-meatloaf-really-33921

I made a vegetarian meatloaf, but before I became vegetarian, I never really had meatloaf. Much less I don't know what it supposed to taste like. I followed the recipe and the top was done but the inside was somewhat mushy. It's good though, but I'm not sure if this is what supposed to happen? Do I need to put it in the oven longer? I'm not sure. Thanks!

A. Yeah, meatloaf is quite mushy by nature. That's part of what makes it so delicious, actually.

Whether I use meat (for husband) or lentils (for both of us), I try to let the loaf 'stand' for about 5 minutes or so once I take it out of the oven. This helps the juices redistribute and that helps firm it up.

Here's my recipe:

1 19oz can red lentils, drained and rinsed, then shaken dry in the colander (eliminating a lot of extra moisture)
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup finely diced onion
1/2 cup finely diced pepper (green pepper looks pretty, but use what's on hand)
1 egg, lightly beaten (or egg replacer if going for something vegan)
8 oz canned tomatoes with juice
1/2 cup quick oats.

Combine it all and press into a loaf pan.

Glaze:

1/3 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon mustard (use your favourite... grainy dijon is awesome, but use yellow or regular dijon if that's what you have).

Bake at 375 for an hour, and let stand for 5-10 mins afterwards.

This loaf will firm as it cools to the point where you can make 'meat'loaf sandwiches out of it for lunch the next day (awesome on soft bread with mayo....)!





Powered by Yahoo! Answers

No comments:

Post a Comment