Pumpkin Meatloaf

Here is a recipe for pumpkin meatloaf, a tasty vegetarian dish that can be a great second course or a substantial side dish.

Ingredients

• 600 g of already cleaned pumpkin
• 100 g of breadcrumbs
• 50 g of grated Parmesan
• 2 eggs
• 1 small onion
• 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
• 1 pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

1. Start by cleaning the pumpkin, removing the skin and seeds, and cutting it into pieces. Cook it in the oven at 180 °C for about 30 minutes or until soft.
2. Once cooked, mash the pumpkin with a fork or pass it through a potato ricer until you get a puree.
3. In a large bowl, pour the pumpkin puree and add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, finely chopped onion, parsley, a pinch of nutmeg, salt and pepper to your taste. Mix all ingredients well until you get a homogeneous mixture.
4. If the dough is too soft, add a little more breadcrumbs to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper and give it the shape of a meatloaf using your moistened hands.
6. Bake the pumpkin meatloaf at 180 °C for about 40-45 minutes or until the surface is golden and crispy.
7. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it and serving.

Trivia

Pumpkin is a very versatile vegetable in the kitchen and rich in beneficial properties. It is composed mostly of water, so it is light and hydrating, but it also contains fiber, vitamins, and carotenoids, which are important for eye and skin health.

Remember that this is a basic variant; if you feel creative, you can add other ingredients like chopped walnuts, poppy seeds, or aromatic herbs to your liking to enrich the flavor of the meatloaf. Enjoy your meal!