Meatloaf is one of the quintessential comfort foods. An inextricable part of childhood, we all grew up with a family version of 'the perfect meatloaf' — each with it's own unique flavour, texture and aroma — bringing back memories from the halcyon days of youth. There are as many interpretations of this humble dish as there are Moms and Grandmas, each guardians of their own special recipe. Naturally, some get passed down, generation to generation, and acquire the special moniker of authorship, like Nana's Banana Cream Pie or Mom's Classic Meatloaf. My Mom's Classic Meatloaf is the best, but sometimes it's good to shake the culinary tree a little and try out new things, like my Turkey, Mushroom and Spinach Meatloaf. A lighter, luscious, low fat and low carb version of the comfort food classic, my recipe is made with ground turkey, sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, diced onions and minced garlic for a healthy and delicious alternative for those who love 'meatloaf' but with a few less calories. You can always make up for it with rich and creamy Scallion Mashed Potatoes with Butter.
Chopped leek sautéed in oil until soft
Diced mushrooms and minced garlic added
The mixture is cooked about 5-6 minutes
Ground turkey is mixed with whole milk, fresh breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, tomato paste, chopped spinach, worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, oregano and the mushroom-leeks
The ingredients are thoroughly combined by hand...
..and pressed into a meatloaf pan
A spoonful of ketchup is spread on top as a sweet glaze for the final baked meatloaf
Baked at 350°F for 80 minutes, the meatloaf is cooked through and beautifully hot, juicy and delicious
Mashed potatoes with butter, milk and sautéed scallions
The Scallion Mashed Potatoes ready to be served
Serves 6-8
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large leek
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, cleaned and finely chopped
2 1/2 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, beaten
1 small can tomato paste - 5.5 oz
1 package frozen spinach, thawed, drained and chopped
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp each dried thyme and oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup chopped parsley for garnish, optional
Preheat oven to 350°F. Wash the leek and trim away the root end, then slice in half length-wise, and in half again to produce four long pieces, then finely slice. In a heavy sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the oil and sliced leek, and sauté until soft and lightly golden, about 6-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms and continue to sauté until all the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are soft, about 5-6 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, milk, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, tomato paste, chopped spinach, worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano and leek-mushroom mixture. Season well with salt and pepper, then combine well using your hands. Press the mixture into a loaf pan and spoon the ketchup over top.
Bake until lightly browned on top and firm to the touch, about 65-80 minutes, or when a thermometer reads 165° in the thickest part. As with any comfort food, meatloaf is delicious served with mashed potatoes and a small mixed green salad.
Mashed Potatoes with Scallions, Butter & Cream
Serves 8
6 large russet potatoes
8 whole scallions, both white and green parts, finely sliced
6 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp fresh ground black or white pepper
6 tbsp whole milk or light cream
2 tsp salt
Peel and chop the potatoes into 2 to 3-inch pieces. Bring a large pot of water to boil, add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain in a colander once cooked, cover with a tea towel and set aside. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small pan and cook the chopped scallions over low heat until tender, about 5-10 minutes. Return the cooked potatoes to the pot over medium low heat and mash with milk or cream, then stir in the scallions and season with salt and pepper. Cover and rewarm over low heat until ready to serve, adding a wee bit of extra milk if the mash gets a bit firm.
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