Lunch: Veggie Turkey Meatloaf with Tangy Balsamic Glaze

Recipe by everyday2gourmet A super moist and flavorful turkey meatloaf with the perfect complement of a tangy balsamic glaze. It's light enough to keep you on track with your New Year's resolutions and filling enough to satisfy all your comfort food crav

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey

Health benefits of Veggie Turkey Meatloaf with Tangy Balsamic Glaze

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 carrots, shredded
1 (8 ounce) package cremini mushrooms, chopped
kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup drained and finely chopped artichoke hearts
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 (4 ounce) container crumbled feta cheese
1 cup dry bread crumbs, or more as needed
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup 2% milk
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 pound extra-lean ground turkey breast
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 pinch Italian seasoning, or to taste
1 pinch Creole seasoning (such as Tony Chachere's®), or to taste
1/4 cup Italian herb-flavored tomato sauce
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, or more to taste
2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion in hot oil until onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking and stirring until the onion is crisp and dark brown, 15 to 20 minutes more. Remove from heat and set aside to cool; chop into small pieces and place into a large bowl.
Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrots and mushrooms, season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste, and cook and stir until carrots start to soften, about 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 3 minutes; remove from heat, add artichoke hearts, and set aside and let cool. Transfer vegetables to the bowl with onion.
Mix in feta cheese, bread crumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, turkey, parsley, and thyme; season with Italian seasoning and Creole seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if desired. Thoroughly mix turkey mixture with hands and form into a meatloaf; place loaf on a baking sheet.
Bake meatloaf in preheated oven until no longer pink inside and the juices run clear, 40 to 45 minutes. Combine tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey to make the glaze; remove meatloaf from the oven, coat with glaze, and bake until glaze has cooked onto the loaf, 5 to 10 more minutes.