I admit that this isn't the best-sounding main dish that you'll come across, but you'll forget all about that once you've tasted it. This rich, chewy and very satisfying dish has won the palates and hearts of many - even non-vegetarians.
Many of the steps in this classic vegetarian nut loaf recipe can be prepared in advance - the brown rice can be cooked, the cheese shredded, and the nuts chopped. In fact, the whole mixture can be made a whole day in advance and refrigerated. If you're baking it straight from the fridge, please be sure to leave it in the oven a couple of minutes longer than stated.
Classic Vegetarian Nut Loaf
Serves 6 to 8 people.
Ingredients:
• 1 onion, medium, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• 2 cups finely-chopped mushrooms
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Red wine or sherry
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor
• 1 cup cashews or almonds, finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor
• 5 eggs
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 3/4 pound grated cheese: Parmesan, Gruyere, cheddar, fontina, smoked or any combination
• 1/2 cup mixed fresh chopped herbs such as parsley, oregano, thyme
• Salt and pepper
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Sauté the onion in oil until it begins to soften. Add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook the mushrooms until they have released their juices and become soft. Add the garlic and dried herbs, and continue cooking. When the pan starts to dry out, add a splash of red wine or sherry and cook until it has been reduced. The contents of the pan should be moist, but not swimming in liquid. Remove from the heat and allow to cool a little.
3. While you're waiting for the mushroom mixture to cool, oil a 9-inch loaf pan and line it with foil or parchment paper.
4. Add the nuts and rice to a large bowl. In a different bowl, beat the eggs with the cottage cheese. Add the egg/cheese mixture to the nut/rice mixture, then stir in the cooled mushrooms, grated cheese, and fresh herbs. Mix very well. Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly. The mixture can be kept, covered and in the fridge at this point for no more than a day.
5. Fill the loaf pan with the nut mixture. Bang on the counter a couple of times to get rid of any air bubbles and use a spatula to smooth the top. Decorate with slices of mushrooms, bell peppers, or whole walnuts, if you so wish. Place loaf pan on a baking tray.
6. Bake for around an hour until the loaf is firm (slightly longer if the mixture was refrigerated). Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Once 10 minutes have passed, lift the loaf from the pan using the excess foil or parchment paper. Peel off the foil or parchment paper and serve on a platter, garnished with herbs.
Source: thekitchn
Photo: Dana Velden
Impress Your Friends With These Tasty Macarons!
Macarons are all the rage right now, and it’s very easy to see why they have captured the attention of sweet friends and bakers alike.
Treat Yourself and Your Family to Some Delicious Churros
Here's how you can make some delicious churros from the comfort of your own kitchen.
This is How to Make the Perfect Home-Made Tortillas!
Here's how you can make yourself some tasty tortillas at home.
These Chocolate Eclairs Are the Perfect Dessert!
This is how you can make yourself some delicious chocolate eclairs at home. Take a look!
These Tasty French Baguettes Go Well With Everything!
Love French baguettes? If the answer to this question is yes, then you're in luck as we're going to show you how to make them.
These British Desserts Look Fancy, But Are Easy to Make!
American pie sure is delicious, but when it comes to baking incredibly tasty desserts, the Brits come well out on top. Here are 4 delicious British desserts.
Learn How to Roast Peanuts in a Microwave 3 Simple Ways
Find out how to to microwave roasted peanuts and how to make them taste better with some yummy seasoning options.
Why You Should NEVER Eat the White Part of Moldy Bread
Many of us simply cut off mold from a slice of bread and eat the rest, but you really shouldn't do that. Find out why in this informative video.
Guide: The Right Seasoning Can Do Wonders!
A steak is easy to make. A well seasoned one, though, can make all the difference.
You May Have Never Heard of These Delicious Fruits...
These delicious, exotic fruits are not something you see every day, but are worth investigating for their terrific taste.
I Could Eat This Yummy No-Oven Cake Every Day!
When a sweet tooth strikes, this is the dessert to make! No oven is needed.
3 Glasses of Sunshine: Drink Recipes for the Hot Weather
Spring and summer are on their way, so what better time than to start perfecting your drink making skills. These sunny juices will quench your gaping thirst.
Re-Grow These 10 Vegetables - Just Use Water!
It's amazing how much money you can save by re-growing these 10 favorite vegetables! Follow our tips and instructions to learn more about how you can have a constant supply of your favorite greens, without paying an extra penny.
15 Peculiar Food Combinations That People Actually Love
Take a look at these weird food combinations that sound gross but are actually quite delicious.
Why Settle For Regular Toast When You Can Have THESE?
Change things up a bit with 17 original and delicious pieces of toast!
Cook a Traditional Czech Meal With These 5 Recipes
To enjoy the unique tastes of Czech cuisine, you no longer need to fly abroad. The following recipes will allow you to cook a traditional Czech meal yourself.
This Broccoli Soup Has Cancer-Fighting Properties
This creamy broccoli soup is not only delicious, but it also has cancer-fighting properties. Follow this recipe to learn how to make this tasty dish.
You've Got to Try these Delicious and Comforting Winter Salads
These hearty, comforting salads will take your mind off classic winter, comfort food.
Try This Easy Yet Heavenly Almond and Pastry Dessert Recipe
At a glance, the pastry may look complicated to make, but it is actually quite easy. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make it.
This is the Fluffiest Omelet You'll EVER Make!
If you like your breakfast eggs fluffy but juicy, don't miss out on this mouthwatering Soufflé Omelet recipe!
For a Twist on Carrot Cake, Try These Bite-Sized Cookies
For a delicious twist on carrot cake, try these cookie bites! Perfect for an afternoon snack.
This is How You Make Delicious Home-Made Hummus
Hummus is delicious, and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make your own.
15 Delicious Street Foods to Try When You Go Traveling
The world is full of inventive dishes and each country boasts a signature street food. Here are the best street foods from around the world.
15 Warming Soup Recipes Perfect for Cold Weather
If the cold days are upon you and you’re ready to treat yourself with a special, yet very healthy meal, prepare one of these 15 warming soups
These 5 Foods Will Help You Fall Asleep Immediately
Having trouble sleeping? Here are five foods that can help you out!
18 Common Baking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
If you like fresh pastry, but your baking attempts have been less than successful, there's a good chance you're "guilty" of these 18 common baking mistakes.
How to Make Delicious and Healthy Avocado Chocolate Cake
Everyone thinks cakes are unhealthy, but it doesn't always have to be the case! This tasty and healthy chocolate avocado cake is a great example of this!
9 Ice Cream Recipes You Can Make with a Food Processor
9 easy, healthier ice cream recipes that you can prepare in a food processor.
This Is How Long You Can Freeze These Foods For!
We all know that freezing food prevents it from rotting. Here's a complete guide to how long you can let different foods stay frozen until they go bad!
These Quick Snacks Are Proven To Be Healthy and Cheap
A video from John Hopkins University shows us that healthy food doesn't have to be a burden on your bank account or your watch. These easy and affordable snacks can help keep you moving.
There is a Secret Way to Perfectly Cut a Mango...
Enjoying this tasty summer fruit has never been easier!
These Halloween Cupcakes Are Simply the Best!
Halloween is always a fun time of year, but it's about to become more delicious and more fun thanks to this gorgeous trio of cupcakes! Here's the recipe.
This Delicious Bread Has No Carbs, No Gluten and No Sugar
Known as cloud bread, this carb and gluten free bread is soft, airy and fluffy, and so delicious, it practically melts in your mouth. All you need are three ingredients to make it - let's take a look.
6 Terrific Recipes That Can Be Made with Medicinal Herbs
Find out how mallow, nettles, mint, elderberry, fennel, and chives are dutifully incorporated into these 6 delicious recipes!
Ancient Recipe Corner: Old Timey Festive Buttered Beer
Whip out your pewter pots for this medieval recipe! We'll be making buttered beer, with a non-alcoholic version included.
You Deep Fried WHAT? Weird Fried Foods and More
Have you ever tried fried maple leaves? Or a deep fried scorpion? Watch people prepare these weird meals and a few more traditional ones, too
After Reading This, You'll Never Buy Expensive Meat Again!
Do you know what the major difference between a cheap and an expensive cut of meat is? Here are 5 effective methods of making tough cuts of meat taste absolutely heavenly!
How to Create the Perfect Home Pita Bread
If you've never tried pita bread, then you're missing out! This simple pita bread recipe will make you wonder why you never tried this before!
Easy Trick to Know If Your Steak Is Rare or Well-Done
Judging how well done a steak is just by looking at it can be hard, thankfully, this easy trick will tell you just how done it is.
A Formula For Whipping Up Healthy 20-Minutes Meals
This video offers a delightfully simple solution for busy people - a go-to formula for healthy 20-minute meals.
15 Vegetables You Can Grow in a Garden Pot!
If you would love to grow vegetables, but have a limited amount of space, then we have just the solution for you - vegetables you can grow in a pot.
What EVERYONE Should Know About Fruits and Veggies
Amazing facts you probably don't know about the best things we should all eat every day.
5 Best Meal Planning Sites to Save Time, Money, and Energy
These meal preparation websites will help you cook a week’s food in advance.
We Bet You've Never Tasted Potatoes As Delicious As These
These are the best potatoes you have ever tasted!
Love Ginger Ale? Maybe It's Time You Made Your Own...
2 easy to make recipes for organic ginger ale and ginger beer
An Italian's Secret to Making the Best Pasta
Follow these tips to prepare an excellent plate of pasta.
A Guide to 7 Unique Tomato Varieties and How to Use Them
Whoa! I never knew there were so many different varieties of tomatoes out there.