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Hearty Italian-Style Holiday Loaf (Polpettone)

In my family in Italy, polpettone is what we serve as a holiday centrepiece. It literally means “big meatball,” and it’s traditionally made with meat. But this is my plant-based version, built around tempeh. Just as comforting, deeply savoury, and perfect for the festive table. Note: This loaf needs an overnight rest in the fridge to set properly, so it’s best made a day ahead.

Ingredients

Method

Nutrition

Turn cooking mode on

Step 1

Grate the tempeh using the large holes of a cheese grater.

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For

4

M

I

400

g

Tempeh

260

ml

Water

2

tbsp

Soy sauce

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Per Serving

Calories

405kcal

Fat

20g

Carbs

33g

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Notes

This recipe needs to rest overnight to firm up, so plan to prepare it at least 1 day in advance before baking and serving. 🫙 Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. ❄️ Freeze for up to 3 months.

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M

Melissa W

3 months ago

I made this for Christmas dinner and it was a big hit!

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Gigi

3 months ago

Yay! So lovely to hear🎄🎄

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Sara P

3 months ago

Absolutely delicious! Brought to a family dinner and all my omnivores relatives loved it and asked for more! Paired it with the gravy and was the highlight of the day 🥰

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Gigi

3 months ago

Thanks for sharing! So glad to hear everyone loved it (omnivores included!) ❤️❤️

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S

Susan R

3 months ago

Wonderful and flavorful! All of my non vegan family members were gushing over this !

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Gigi

3 months ago

Lovely to hear! A new family favourite? 🥰

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S

Susan R

3 months ago

Absolutely!

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M

MONICA S

3 months ago

I live with 2 avid carnivores, one of whom had sworn never to eat tempeh again and I m pleased to report they were both totally fooled! 😂

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Gigi

3 months ago

Love this! Happy to have helped with the trick! 😂😂

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S

Susan G

3 months ago

I divided into 2 ‘loaves’ froze 1. Delicious as a main & great in a baguette or sandwich the day after. 🙌

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Gigi

3 months ago

Leftovers are the best 🥰

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L

Louise M

3 months ago

Thank you Gigi, made this for New Year....delicious. overnighted it and cooked it in a lined 2lb loaf tin. Worked perfectly.

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Gigi

3 months ago

Yay! So glad you enjoyed it and happy new year! 🎉🎉

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S

Serena

3 months ago

The taste was delicious but it didn’t stay whole, it broke into pieces. I wonder what i could have done to avoid that. I followed the instructions! Still we enjoyed it a lot with gummi the porcini gravy so a success anyway!

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S

Serena

3 months ago

*With the yummy

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Gigi

3 months ago

Hey Serena, sorry it didn't turn out 100% (but glad it was still yummy!) There are a couple of things that could have meant it did not hold its shape. The most likely suspects would be overcooking the tempeh (so it dries out too much), not pressing the loaf enough or wrapping tightly enough in cling film so it was not compacted or not spraying the loaf with olive oil before cooking. Could it be any of those? Hope that helps and next time it comes our perfectly xxx

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S

Serena

3 months ago

oh yes i can see now how i must have overcooked the tempeh, thank you so much! Yes we still enjoyed it very much <3

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A

Amy S

3 months ago

One of my new favorites. I will make this as a meal prep to use throughout the week. It was delicious with the porcini gravy. Also great as left over sandwiches with some lettuce, tomato and vegan mayo.

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Gigi

3 months ago

Post-Xmas leftover sandwiches are the BEST!

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A

Andriana M

3 months ago

Words can't even begin to express how delicious this was. Hands down my favourite centrepiece in my 8 years of vegan Christmases!

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Gigi

3 months ago

That's so lovely to hear! It warms my heart to see my recipes on your Xmas table! xx

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Lucy M

3 months ago

Yum! We made this for Christmas and it was delicious. All my meaty friends were converted, so many went for seconds that I barely had any leftovers! Thanks so much Gigi, this was an absolute winner xxx

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Gigi

3 months ago

Woohoo! Glad it went well Lucy! xx

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J

J W

3 months ago

SO YUM! Absolutely perfect addition to our vegan Christmas table this year ✨🎄

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Gigi

3 months ago

Amazing! So happy to hear it was a successful part of your Xmas!!

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S

Sabine K

3 months ago

Sehr lecker. Ich habe die doppelte Menge gemacht und KI Gigi hat mich sehr gut beraten ☺️

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Gigi

3 months ago

Fantastisch! Freut mich, dass die KI-Funktion gut funktioniert hat! xx

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Mairi C

3 months ago

Served this for my first plant based Xmas! My highly skeptical and very carnivorous son was very impressed! I don’t think I’ve convinced him to go meat free but I’ll take the win!! My once carnivorous alpha male husband has been totally converted! Thanks Gigi! 🥰

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Gigi

3 months ago

That's amazing to hear! I love to hear stories about non-plant based eaters enjoying the recipes (especially sceptical ones!!) Hope you and your family had a great Christmas! xx

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Reply

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Mairi C

3 months ago

We did thank you! I copied your menu almost entirely…. No, I am not stalking you!🤣 I just love your plant based recipes! Please keep them coming! Auguri per Capo d’Anno!

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Gigi

3 months ago

Anche a te! xx

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Lina

3 months ago

This was 'off the scale' goodness 🥰

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Gigi

3 months ago

Looks amazing! And the potatoes too!!! xxx

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Lina

3 months ago

Ready for Christmas eve dinner 🥰

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Gigi

3 months ago

Brava! Hope everyone enjoyed it and that you remembered to leave a piece for Santa! 🎄🎄

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A

Ana K

3 months ago

Hi, do you think i can skip the mushrooms? :)

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S

Sara S

3 months ago

Is there a jus you’d recommend? These seems to be one in the picture!

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Gigi

3 months ago

Hi Sara ! There’s a recipe for the gravy on the app already ! Just search for porcini gray 😊

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V

Versha S

3 months ago

Can i skip olives and add chillies and garljc?

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Gigi

3 months ago

Hi Versha ! Yes, you can! 😊 Skipping the olives won’t change the texture, but adding chillies and garlic will definitely change the flavour, so as long as you’re aware of that, you’re all good.

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N

Naomi

3 months ago

Do you think I could turn this into a wellington if I just wrapped in pastry or would it not cook well?

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Gigi

3 months ago

Hey Naomi! 💛 I’m not 100% sure. the mixture is designed to stay soft anyway, so it could work. I’d maybe do a small test first, just to see how it behaves wrapped in pastry 😊

Like

Reply

Cancel

homepage-image

Hearty Italian-Style Holiday Loaf (Polpettone)

In my family in Italy, polpettone is what we serve as a holiday centrepiece. It literally means “big meatball,” and it’s traditionally made with meat. But this is my plant-based version, built around tempeh. Just as comforting, deeply savoury, and perfect for the festive table. Note: This loaf needs an overnight rest in the fridge to set properly, so it’s best made a day ahead.

Ingredients

Method

Nutrition

Turn cooking mode on

Step 1

Grate the tempeh using the large holes of a cheese grater.

Access all recipes now

chopping-block-knife-white

Cook along with all of our recipes

heart-white

Save your favourites and build your own collections

person-tick-white

Access all membership benefits

Already subscribed? Log in or switch accounts.

For

4

M

I

400

g

Tempeh

260

ml

Water

2

tbsp

Soy sauce

Access all recipes now

chopping-block-knife-white

Cook along with all of our recipes

heart-white

Save your favourites and build your own collections

person-tick-white

Access all membership benefits

Already subscribed? Log in or switch accounts.

Per Serving

Calories

405kcal

Fat

20g

Carbs

33g

Access all recipes now

chopping-block-knife-white

Cook along with all of our recipes

heart-white

Save your favourites and build your own collections

person-tick-white

Access all membership benefits

Already subscribed? Log in or switch accounts.

Notes

This recipe needs to rest overnight to firm up, so plan to prepare it at least 1 day in advance before baking and serving. 🫙 Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. ❄️ Freeze for up to 3 months.

Your private notes

Only visible to you

Next

Made it?

Comments

Cancel

M

Melissa W

3 months ago

I made this for Christmas dinner and it was a big hit!

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Yay! So lovely to hear🎄🎄

Like

Reply

Cancel

Sara P

3 months ago

Absolutely delicious! Brought to a family dinner and all my omnivores relatives loved it and asked for more! Paired it with the gravy and was the highlight of the day 🥰

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Thanks for sharing! So glad to hear everyone loved it (omnivores included!) ❤️❤️

Like

Reply

Cancel

S

Susan R

3 months ago

Wonderful and flavorful! All of my non vegan family members were gushing over this !

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Lovely to hear! A new family favourite? 🥰

Like

Reply

Cancel

S

Susan R

3 months ago

Absolutely!

Like

Reply

Cancel

M

MONICA S

3 months ago

I live with 2 avid carnivores, one of whom had sworn never to eat tempeh again and I m pleased to report they were both totally fooled! 😂

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Love this! Happy to have helped with the trick! 😂😂

Like

Reply

Cancel

S

Susan G

3 months ago

I divided into 2 ‘loaves’ froze 1. Delicious as a main & great in a baguette or sandwich the day after. 🙌

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Leftovers are the best 🥰

Like

Reply

Cancel

L

Louise M

3 months ago

Thank you Gigi, made this for New Year....delicious. overnighted it and cooked it in a lined 2lb loaf tin. Worked perfectly.

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Yay! So glad you enjoyed it and happy new year! 🎉🎉

Like

Reply

Cancel

S

Serena

3 months ago

The taste was delicious but it didn’t stay whole, it broke into pieces. I wonder what i could have done to avoid that. I followed the instructions! Still we enjoyed it a lot with gummi the porcini gravy so a success anyway!

Like

Reply

Cancel

S

Serena

3 months ago

*With the yummy

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Hey Serena, sorry it didn't turn out 100% (but glad it was still yummy!) There are a couple of things that could have meant it did not hold its shape. The most likely suspects would be overcooking the tempeh (so it dries out too much), not pressing the loaf enough or wrapping tightly enough in cling film so it was not compacted or not spraying the loaf with olive oil before cooking. Could it be any of those? Hope that helps and next time it comes our perfectly xxx

Like

Reply

Cancel

S

Serena

3 months ago

oh yes i can see now how i must have overcooked the tempeh, thank you so much! Yes we still enjoyed it very much <3

Like

Reply

Cancel

A

Amy S

3 months ago

One of my new favorites. I will make this as a meal prep to use throughout the week. It was delicious with the porcini gravy. Also great as left over sandwiches with some lettuce, tomato and vegan mayo.

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Post-Xmas leftover sandwiches are the BEST!

Like

Reply

Cancel

A

Andriana M

3 months ago

Words can't even begin to express how delicious this was. Hands down my favourite centrepiece in my 8 years of vegan Christmases!

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

That's so lovely to hear! It warms my heart to see my recipes on your Xmas table! xx

Like

Reply

Cancel

Lucy M

3 months ago

Yum! We made this for Christmas and it was delicious. All my meaty friends were converted, so many went for seconds that I barely had any leftovers! Thanks so much Gigi, this was an absolute winner xxx

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Woohoo! Glad it went well Lucy! xx

Like

Reply

Cancel

J

J W

3 months ago

SO YUM! Absolutely perfect addition to our vegan Christmas table this year ✨🎄

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Amazing! So happy to hear it was a successful part of your Xmas!!

Like

Reply

Cancel

S

Sabine K

3 months ago

Sehr lecker. Ich habe die doppelte Menge gemacht und KI Gigi hat mich sehr gut beraten ☺️

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Fantastisch! Freut mich, dass die KI-Funktion gut funktioniert hat! xx

Like

Reply

Cancel

Mairi C

3 months ago

Served this for my first plant based Xmas! My highly skeptical and very carnivorous son was very impressed! I don’t think I’ve convinced him to go meat free but I’ll take the win!! My once carnivorous alpha male husband has been totally converted! Thanks Gigi! 🥰

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

That's amazing to hear! I love to hear stories about non-plant based eaters enjoying the recipes (especially sceptical ones!!) Hope you and your family had a great Christmas! xx

Like

Reply

Cancel

Mairi C

3 months ago

We did thank you! I copied your menu almost entirely…. No, I am not stalking you!🤣 I just love your plant based recipes! Please keep them coming! Auguri per Capo d’Anno!

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Anche a te! xx

Like

Reply

Cancel

Lina

3 months ago

This was 'off the scale' goodness 🥰

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Looks amazing! And the potatoes too!!! xxx

Like

Reply

Cancel

Lina

3 months ago

Ready for Christmas eve dinner 🥰

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Brava! Hope everyone enjoyed it and that you remembered to leave a piece for Santa! 🎄🎄

Like

Reply

Cancel

A

Ana K

3 months ago

Hi, do you think i can skip the mushrooms? :)

Like

Reply

Cancel

S

Sara S

3 months ago

Is there a jus you’d recommend? These seems to be one in the picture!

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Hi Sara ! There’s a recipe for the gravy on the app already ! Just search for porcini gray 😊

Like

Reply

Cancel

V

Versha S

3 months ago

Can i skip olives and add chillies and garljc?

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Hi Versha ! Yes, you can! 😊 Skipping the olives won’t change the texture, but adding chillies and garlic will definitely change the flavour, so as long as you’re aware of that, you’re all good.

Like

Reply

Cancel

N

Naomi

3 months ago

Do you think I could turn this into a wellington if I just wrapped in pastry or would it not cook well?

Like

Reply

Cancel

Gigi

3 months ago

Hey Naomi! 💛 I’m not 100% sure. the mixture is designed to stay soft anyway, so it could work. I’d maybe do a small test first, just to see how it behaves wrapped in pastry 😊

Like

Reply

Cancel