Dinner Loaf *
A hearty vegetarian loaf combining spinach, peanuts, and savory spices, perfect for a nutritious, filling meal that suits both casual dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet; sauté chopped onion and Kasha until onion is transparent.
- Add water and 1/2 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat.
- Cook for about 15 minutes, until water is absorbed.
- Cook spinach and place in a blender with peanuts and one egg; process on high until creamed, nuts should be coarse.
- Lightly beat the other egg; add spinach mixture, cooked Kasha, salt, and pepper; blend well.
- Pour mixture into a well oiled 9 x 5 x 3-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 minutes.
- Cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the Kasha before cooking it. If you don't have peanuts, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds. Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard for a different taste. Make sure to adjust the salt if using salted peanuts. This recipe can easily be adjusted to fit vegetarian recipes by omitting the eggs and using a binding agent like flaxseed meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Dinner Loaf pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a dollop of yogurt or a tangy sauce on the side. It also works well as a protein-packed addition to a buffet, alongside dishes like Mother-In-Law Salad or Aunt Della'S Sweet Potato Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the loaf and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for quick reheating, but be cautious not to dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dinner Loaf * contains roughly 421 calories, with 9g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 472mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dinner loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it fresh before serving to maintain its texture. If baked ahead, it can be stored and reheated as suggested.
What can I use instead of Kasha?
If you don't have Kasha, buckwheat groats can be used as a direct substitute. Alternatively, quinoa or brown rice can work, although cooking times may vary, so check doneness accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Kasha is naturally gluten-free, making this Dinner Loaf suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure that any additional ingredients, especially the peanuts, are also certified gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).