Goan Meat(less) Loaf - Vegetarian

 This vegetarian meatloaf will please even the die-hard meat eater.  The base for this recipe is made up of Cremini Mushrooms which I have used before for vegetarian minced meat.   This low calorie, high fiber meal leaves you satisfied without all the calories and cholesterol that go with meat.  The loaf comes out of the oven with a rich attractive glaze on top that will make any cook proud to serve. Pairing a thick slice with your family's favorite salad makes a light evening meal.   The next day left-overs can easily be transitioned to the lunchbox in a hamburger bun or your favorite sliced bread.

Ingredients

1 pound brown cremini mushrooms ( about 10), any brown mushrooms will do
2 slices of your favorite bread torn up and soaked in water
2 large onions
3/4 cup of quick oats
2 eggs beaten
1 lime
2 heaped teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
2 heaped teaspoon chopped fresh garlic
1 green chilly seeded and finely chopped (optional)
1/2 teaspoon chilly powder (or less depending on how hot you like your food)
1 heaped teaspoon ground coriander
1 heaped teaspoon ground jeera
1 level teaspoon turmeric
1 level teaspoon ground clove
1 level teaspoon ground cinnamon
salt and pepper to taste
5 tablespoons ketchup (mix with 2 tablespoons of sriracha hot sauce -optional) and keep aside
1 cup cooked chopped vegetable = peas, corn, carrots, cauliflower etc. (optional)

Method

Tear the bread into large pieces and soak in water- leave aide
Wash the mushrooms and remove all dirt.  Dry with a paper towel.
Cut the mushrooms in quarters and put in a food processor bowl.  Using the chopping blade of a food processor, and turning the machine on in pulses, chop the mushrooms until finely chopped

 Put the minced mushrooms in a bowl.  Add all the ground spices, salt and pepper and the juice of 1 full lime.  Add 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce. Mix well. Leave aside for at least fifteen minutes so flavors are absorbed.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan.  Add the onions, garlic, ginger and green chili, and fry till the onions are translucent.

Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook until the liquids have evaporated, about 10 minutes - 15 minutes.

Turn off the heat and remove the pan.   Add the bread which has been drained and  squeezed and the oats.  Mix well. 

 It will resemble ground meat at this stage and will hold together.  Transfer to a bowl.

 Add any cooked vegetables at this stage if you want to. Leave aside to cool.

Pre-heat the oven to 375 F  .  Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and spray well with cooking oil.
 
When the mixture is cool add the beaten eggs and mix well.
Spoon into the prepared loaf pan and push down with a spatula.  Smooth the top.

Spread the ketchup/sriracha sauce over the top evenly.

Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour . Check that a sharp knife pushed in the middle comes out clean. Leave the loaf to cool and set on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before removing from loaf pan.

Approximate nutritional value per slice (based on 10 slices per loaf)
Calories 100.4/ total fats 3g/ total carbohydrates 14.8 g/ protein 5.3 g/












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