Uncle Bill's Meat Loaf With Chickpeas

INGREDIENTS

1 large onion, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 lb lean ground beef

1/2 lb ground beef

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

DIRECTIONS

1.Preheat oven to 350°F.
2.In a food processor, puree' onion and garlic.
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.Transfer mixture to a lightly oiled 9" x 5" loaf pan, press mixture firmly down and smooth the top.
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.In the meantime, prepare the topping in a small bowl, combine chili sauce and Dijon mustard.
7.Remove loaf from oven and drain any fat that may have accumulated.
8.Spread the chili sauce/Dijon mixture over the loaf.
9.Immediately return meat loaf to oven and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes at 350°F.
10.Remove from oven and let rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.
11.This meat loaf is excellent eaten cold in a sandwich.