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Meatloaf is a dinnertime staple for many families. A favorite of adults and children alike, meatloaf can be prepared however cooks see fit, making it a versatile dish for family dinners. Parents who want to enjoy meatloaf with their families and do so while promoting healthy diets can try the following recipe for “Turkey, Vegetable & Oat Mini-Meatloaves with Marinara Sauce” from Michelle Dudash’s “Clean Eating For Busy Families” (Fair Winds).
Turkey, Vegetable & Oat Mini-Meatloaves with Marinara Sauce
Ingredients: Makes 6 servings
Expeller-pressed canola oil spray
1 8-ounce package crimini (baby bella) mushrooms (about 21⁄2 cups)
1 small yellow onion, cut into eighths
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin oil
1 cup dry rolled oats
2 large eggs
1 pound lean ground turkey
(or beef or bison)
13⁄4 cups pasta sauce, divided
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 9- by 13-inch baking pan or 6 mini loaf pans with spray. Pulse mushrooms in a food processor until finely chopped and add them to a large bowl. Repeat with onion and garlic.
Place a large frying pan over medium heat and add oil. When oil is shimmering, add vegetables and sauté for 7 minutes or until water releases and evaporates completely, lowering the heat as necessary. Set aside.
Process the oats until they are of a fine consistency. Whisk the eggs in the bowl used for the vegetables. Add processed oats, turkey, 3⁄4 cup of pasta sauce, cooked vegetables, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and stir together with a fork until blended.
Scoop the mixture into 6 mounds on the pan or into each mini-loaf pan, about 3⁄4 cup each. Shape each mound into a 4- by 2-inch loaf. Spread remaining 1 cup of pasta sauce on top of the loaves, distributing evenly. Bake on middle rack for 25 minutes, turning pan midway through cooking, until loaves are firm or a thermometer inserted in the middle reads at least 165° F. Allow loaves to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes: You can finely chop vegetables with a knife rather than using a food processor if you prefer. W
Whole oats can be added to the meat mixture for a more rustic texture.
Pairing:
Canyon Road Wines Merlot
Canyon Road Wines — California
This dish is a take on an old favorite, and with the old favorite, you’d grab a bottle of merlot, too. This is a another merlot out of California that provides a taste of rich cherries and blackberries, with hints of vanilla and spice.
Of course, wine parings are often times a matter of personal taste. Let us know what you think of this paring online at TheSpot518.com, and let us know what other wines you would try in its place.
