Our Favorite Vegan Recipes: The Best Barbecued "Beef" Loaf

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line the bottom of a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork. You do not want them to be completely pasty or mushy. Add the cooked veggies, bread crumbs, ground flaxseed, nutritional yeast, tamari, the 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, the 1/4 cup ketchup, and the liquid smoke. Stir with a large spoon until very well combined.

Step 4

Press the loaf mixture into the prepared pan, pushing down evenly with your hands. Cover with foil and back for 30 minutes.

Step 5

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and 1/3 cup ketchup.

Step 6

Remove the foil, spread the ketchup topping evenly on top of the loaf, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. Remove from oven.

Step 7

Allow the loaf to sit for at least 15 minutes before slicing if you can; it will hold up better.

Step 8

Serve garnished with chopped chives, if desired.