Love the way plant-based dishes make you feel but miss your favorite comfort foods? This Chickpea Oat Loaf is just what you’re looking for. Whether you’re a committed vegan or just giving Meatless Mondays a try, you’ll love having this dish on the menu.
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, give this vegan loaf its pleasing mouthfeel. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, these nutrient-rich legumes have a nutty flavor and grainy texture that satisfies. This recipe also features heart-friendly ingredients like rolled oats and flax meal.
But just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean it’s bland. Follow our step-by-step instructions for a savory main dish that pairs deliciously with some of our popular sides and sauces, like Mashed Cauliflower and Vegetable Gravy.
Let’s get started!
1 medium (255 g) onion, quartered
2 garlic cloves, peeled
2 (200 g) carrots, quartered
2 (75 g) celery stalks
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, about 10 sprigs
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 cans (920 g) chickpeas, drained, rinsed
¾ cup (65 g) rolled oats
2 Tablespoons (15 g) flax meal
3 Tablespoons (30 g) Vegan Parmesan Cheese [or nutritional yeast]
½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
1 Tablespoon liquid aminos
For the Topping:
10 (100 g) dates, pitted
½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
½ Tablespoon liquid aminos
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Step 1: Fit the Food Processor Attachment with the Multi-Use Blade. Place the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and thyme into the Vitamix container, secure the lid and process for 15 seconds.
Step 2: Add the chopped vegetable mixture to a large sauté pan, add olive oil and sauté on medium high for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add the chickpeas to the Vitamix container and pulse 5 – 6 times making sure to pulverize the chickpeas to leave texture for the loaf.
Step 4: Combine the chickpeas, vegetable mixture, oats, flax meal, vegan parmesan, tomato sauce and liquid aminos in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
Step 5: Press mixture into a 9 x 13-inch loaf pan, cover, and place in a preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Add sauce topping ingredients to the Vitamix container and process for 15 seconds. Remove loaf and a cover with sauce, then bake for an additional 15 minutes.