Sneak Fiber (And Flavor) Into Your Meatloaf By Adding A Dollop Of This Fridge Staple

A meatloaf is already bold and savory, but who can say no to a little something to zhuzh it up? Introduce a dollop of hummus for deeper flavor and moisture, and you'll also add fiber to your meal along the way. Used as a spread or dip, hummus is made with chickpeas and flavorings like garlic, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Two tablespoons of hummus alone contain 2 grams of fiber, which is roughly the equivalent of 2 cups of shredded lettuce for reference.

Thanks to its strong nutty taste — which comes with a tinge of brightness thanks to the lemon — it blends well with the meatiness of meatloaf, cutting through rich flavors that might feel overwhelming after a few bites. Its smooth consistency also blends well in the meatloaf and offers a pleasant mouthfeel, especially for those who are particular about their food's texture. To create a hummus-infused meatloaf, you don't need to do a lot of things differently, though you skip using egg as a binder as hummus can do that job instead. You can follow our super moist turkey meatloaf recipe and simply add in the hummus like a meat seasoning. Add 2 tablespoons of hummus for every ¼ pound of meat, mix it all together evenly, and you're good to go. You can even leave some extra hummus on the side for dipping if you want a more prominent nutty flavor. That said, there are other tips to make a delicious hummus meatloaf that will have your taste buds tingling with satisfaction.

There's the option to pick the best hummus you can buy from the store (it's Fresh Cravings Classic Hummus, by the way) or make it yourself at home. It's quite easy to prepare, after all. Whatever your choice is, the hummus meatloaf can be spruced up with the addition of seasonings. Some store-bought hummus already comes with other flavorings like hot honey, red pepper, and dill pickle, so it can be fun to mix and match with different flavor combinations. If you're making it at home, you can draw inspiration from these ingredients for a more flavorful outcome. For instance, something with a bit of heat, like spicy roasted red pepper hummus, can add a pleasant kick to your meatloaf without overpowering the other ingredients.

There are many ways to serve the hummus meatloaf. For a true Mediterranean twist, you can serve it alongside warm pita or other complementary pairings that you might already have in your pantry, like crackers. You could also use the hummus meatloaf as part of a hummus bowl filled with nutritious, fiber-packed ingredients. Quinoa is an obvious choice, contributing a light, fluffy texture that you'll love alongside the creamy meatloaf, while brown rice can be a complementary side that mellows the savoriness of the meat. Shredded cabbage can add a subtle flavor and satisfying crunch, much like edamame. If you made hummus from scratch and have leftover chickpeas, you can even crisp them up in the air fryer and add them to your bowl to round out the flavors and textures, ensuring nothing goes to waste.