L Is for Chickpea Loaf

Sheela Prakash
Sheela PrakashSenior Contributing Food Editor
Sheela is the Senior Contributing Food Editor at Kitchn and the author of Mediterranean Every Day: Simple, Inspired Recipes for Feel-Good Food. She received her master's degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy and is also a Registered Dietitian.
updated May 1, 2019
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Kelsey McClellan)

If you need another example of how versatile chickpeas can be, we’re happy to introduce you to the the chickpea loaf, a vegetarian version of the homey meatloaf that can do just about anything the meat-based dish can do — and it’s just as delicious to boot.

(Image credit: Connoisseurus Veg)

What to Love About the Loaf

Blitz chickpeas in a food processor, along with a variety of aromatics and other veggies, and you’ve got a chunky mix that can be pressed into a loaf pan, baked, and sliced just like meatloaf. The beans give the loaf the protein and fiber it needs to make it a main course. Add a little cheese to give it extra richness or leave it out to make it vegan. Breadcrumbs keep everything in place, but chickpea flour is a pretty fabulous gluten-free swap-in. Then serve it with classic condiments like ketchup or barbecue sauce, or get a little fancy and serve it with pesto or salsa verde. And leftovers? While just fine on their own, they’re even better tucked between two slices of bread for the ultimate meatless meatloaf sandwich.

Get a recipe: (Almost) Classic Chickpea Vegan Meatloaf from Connoisseurus Veg

Filed in:
beans
dinner
lentils
vegan
vegetarian