Uncle Bill's Meat Loaf With Chickpeas

• large onion↗1
• large garlic cloves↗4
• lean ground beef↗1⁄2 lb
• ground beef↗1⁄2 lb
• canned chick-peas, drained and finely chopped↗2 cups
• dried regular breadcrumbs↗3⁄4 cup
• large egg, beaten↗1
• chili sauce↗1⁄2 cup
• Dijon mustard↗2 tablespoons
• Worcestershire sauce↗2 teaspoons
• hot red pepper sauce or Tabasco sauce↗1 teaspoon
• ground cumin↗1 teaspoon
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• black pepper↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• chopped parsley (fresh)3 tablespoons
• cup diced green pepper1⁄4
• cup diced sweet red pepper1⁄4
• tablespoons chili sauce↗2
• tablespoon Dijon mustard↗1

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. 2

   In a food processor, puree' onion and garlic.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, combine onion/garlic puree', both ground beef, chickpeas, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chili sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, cumin, salt, pepper and parsley; mix well to blend.

4. 4

   Transfer mixture to a lightly oiled 9" x 5" loaf pan, press mixture firmly down and smooth the top.

5. 5

   Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated 350 F oven for 45 minutes or until tested with a thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf; shoud read at least 160 - 165°F.

6. 6

   In the meantime, prepare the topping in a small bowl, combine chili sauce and Dijon mustard.

7. 7

   Remove loaf from oven and drain any fat that may have accumulated.

8. 8

   Spread the chili sauce/Dijon mixture over the loaf.

9. 9

   Immediately return meat loaf to oven and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes at 350°F.

10. 10

    Remove from oven and let rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.

11. 11

    This meat loaf is excellent eaten cold in a sandwich.