It all started with a yearning for a maple glaze that I used to use on various loafs made with animal protein. I just had to have those flavors.
So today, I decided to create a vegan meatloaf with all the same tastes.
Chickpeas were a natural choice for the protein.
Garbanzo beans have an added advantage over other legumes as a meat substitute because they are delicious hot or cold. They can be substituted for meat using a general ratio of 1/2 cup of beans for every ounce of animal protein in a recipe.
Not only that, the health benefits are extraordinary. Just one cup serving of chickpeas has 12 grams of fiber, 14 grams of protein, 84% manganese, 71% folate, 17% zinc, and 26% iron.
Chickpeas also boost digestion and keep blood sugar levels stable.
So there are many reasons chickpeas should be a pantry staple. They are lifesavers when you need something substantial and healthy like this vegan meatloaf.
The main components of this vegan meatloaf besides chickpeas are onion, garlic, red pepper, fresh thyme and fresh parsley. Then, of course, there is the flavor bomb glaze that goes on top.
Vegan Meatloaf with Chickpeas and Maple Glaze
I recommend making a little extra glaze and serving it on the side. This vegan meatloaf also tastes delicious as a sandwich smeared with the maple glaze.
Any way you look at it, you won't miss the meat because this vegan meatloaf has all the flavors you need.
If you love chickpeas as much as I do, check out one of my favorite chickpea sandwiches and of course the Moroccan Vegan Stew with chickpeas, spinach, sweet potatoes and raisins which is turning into one of Ordinary Vegan's most popular recipes.
Hope you enjoy this vegan meatloaf as much as we did. Please sign up here, so you don't miss any of Ordinary Vegan's free recipes.
To learn more about plant-based nutrition, listen to Ordinary Vegan's podcasts in iTunes or here on this website.
If you are a newbie just getting started, you can download a free vegan protein list here. And visit my homepage for all the vegan essentials you need to get started.
Thanks for joining us today. My number one goal is to keep you as healthy as possible!
- 2 15-ounce cartons of cooked chickpeas
- 1 small onion chopped (3/4 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ¾ cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ cup aquafaba liquid from carton of chickpeas
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
- Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
- Put all the loaf ingredients into a food processor and process until combined but still a little chunky being careful not to puree.
- Gently press the mixture into the greased loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, maple syrup and mustard.
- Brush the mixture over the entire loaf.
- Half way through cooking, spoon a little extra ketchup glaze on top
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- I like to serve it with a little extra glaze on the side.
I’m obsessed with chickpeas – this might just be the perfect recipe for me! Thank you 🙂
I too am obsessed with chickpeas. Hope you like it Freya. You might also like my Moroccan chickpea stew packed with flavor. Here is the link.
I’ve just had a look and you were absolutely right – I love the look of it. I’ve got some cooking to be getting on with!! Thank you 🙂
You are welcome Freda!
going to try and make it into meatballs instead
thank you
Great idea Deborah – I used to have this recipe for meatball appetizers in beer and it was so yummy. I will see if I can find it and share. Thanks for being part of our healthy community!
Is there a substitute for aquafaba? Thank you.
Hi Di – You can substitute the aquafaba with 2 flax eggs – 2 tablespoons of ground flax with 5 1/2 tablespoons of water – whisk – place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to thicken.
Hi! I am thinking about doing half chickpeas and half lentils. Do you think this would be okay?
Yes – I definitely think that would be ok – Lentils do have a little more moisture so maybe have some breadcrumbs on hand just in case. Thanks for being part of our healthy community!
This. Was. Fantastic! Will definitely be making this again!
Thank you for this recipe!
So happy you enjoyed it Maria! Nancy
Can’t wait to make this recipe. Looks so yummy. Thanks Nancy
Hope you like it Peggy! thanks for all your support
Will the loaf be too dry if I leave off the glaze (no sugar here!)?
Hi Diane – How about a simple tomato sauce on top – no sugar. I think it needs a little extra moisture. Hope that helps. Thanks for stopping by and being part of our healthy community!
Made this yesterday. Must have missed something. Dry. Falls apart. And no taste.
Oh No Judy – I am sorry to hear that – This is one of my favorite recipes.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Absolutely – just drain and rinse. Thanks for stopping by !
Great recipe! The glaze definitely makes the recipe… so yummy! Thanks for sharing. Love your podcast!! 🙂
Thanks for your kind words Mallory – So happy you enjoyed the recipe!
How can a diabetic count carbs on this recipe? Thank you
Hi Eve – Sorry I don’t have that nutrition information but I don’t think it has any high glycemic ingredients. Thanks for stopping by and being part of our healthy community!