Introduction
Finding a delicious breakfast option that caters to dietary restrictions can often feel like a challenge, especially if youโre avoiding gluten, soy, and nuts. However, this Vegan Breakfast Sausage recipe has become a family favorite in our household. The blend of flavors from lentils and mushrooms, sweetened with apple and maple syrup, creates a hearty patty that even my meat-loving relatives rave about! Not only are these patties easy to make, but theyโre also packed with fiber and flavor, making them a perfect start to any day.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, stemmed and quartered
- 1 (19 oz) can lentils, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 apple, peeled and minced or grated, with liquid very well squeezed out
- 2 tsp gluten-free, low-sodium coconut aminos or tamari
- 1 ยฝ tbsp fresh sage, minced
- 1 ยฝ tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 ยฝ tbsp fresh thyme, minced
- 6 tbsp oat flour (gluten-free if desired)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC).
- Prepare Mushrooms: In a food processor, pulse the quartered mushrooms until they resemble ground meat. Transfer them to a cheesecloth and wring out as much liquid as possible. Set aside.
- Prepare Lentils: Drain and rinse the lentils, squeezing out any excess moisture. In the food processor, puree half of the lentils.
- Cook Onion: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced onion and cook until lightly browned and caramelized, about 30 minutes. (If short on time, sautรฉ for 2 minutes, but caramelizing adds depth of flavor.)
- Add Ingredients: Add garlic, squeezed mushrooms, grated apple, maple syrup, coconut aminos or tamari, sage, rosemary, thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until any excess liquid evaporates and the mushrooms are browned.
- Mix and Form Patties: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the whole and pureed lentils along with the oat flour. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Bake Patties: Form the mixture into patties and place them in a greased whoopie pie mold (or on a greased baking sheet). Spritz the patties with olive oil using an oil atomizer. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 12 patties
- Calories per Serving: 112
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve the patties warm as part of a breakfast spread alongside:
- Fresh fruit
- Avocado slices
- Vegan pancakes or waffles
- Use as a protein-packed filling in breakfast burritos or wraps.
- Pair with a side of hash browns or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Top with your favorite vegan cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy breakfast experience.
Additional Tips
- Customize Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano based on your preferences.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sausage, increase the amount of maple syrup slightly.
- Texture Preference: For a chunkier texture, pulse the mushrooms and lentils less in the food processor.
- Make Ahead: These patties can be made in advance and reheated for a quick breakfast option during the week.
- Oil Spritz: Using an oil atomizer helps control the amount of oil used, keeping the patties lighter.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky taste reminiscent of traditional sausage.
- Different Grains: Substitute the oat flour with almond flour or quinoa flour if youโre looking for a different texture.
- Veggie Loaded: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
- Breakfast Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs instead of patties for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these breakfast sausages with a hearty vegan breakfast burrito filled with scrambled tofu, black beans, and salsa.
- Create a brunch platter with the sausages, roasted potatoes, and a fresh salad.
- Serve alongside vegan biscuits and gravy for a comforting southern-style breakfast.
- Use as a topping for a savory breakfast bowl with quinoa, avocado, and fresh herbs.
- Incorporate into a breakfast sandwich with avocado and vegan mayo on whole grain bread.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These patties freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or a skillet.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?
A1: Yes, but make sure to cook and drain them first.
Q2: Are these breakfast sausages suitable for meal prep?
A2: Absolutely! They hold up well in the fridge and can be reheated quickly.
Q3: What can I substitute for the apple?
A3: You can use grated zucchini or shredded carrots for a different flavor profile.
Q4: Can I bake these sausages in advance?
A4: Yes, you can prepare and bake them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for easy reheating.
Q5: How do I know when the patties are done?
A5: They should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch.
Q6: Can I make these without a food processor?
A6: Yes, you can finely chop the ingredients by hand, although it may take longer.
Q7: Are these sausages kid-friendly?
A7: Yes! The sweet flavors from apple and maple syrup appeal to kids.
Q8: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A8: Yes, just reduce the amount to about one-third of what the recipe calls for, as dried herbs are more potent.
Q9: What is the best way to reheat these patties?
A9: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through.
Q10: Can I use another type of flour instead of oat flour?
A10: Yes, feel free to substitute with your preferred gluten-free flour.
Conclusion
This Vegan Breakfast Sausage recipe is not just a healthier alternative but also a delicious way to start your day. Packed with wholesome ingredients and rich flavors, these patties will please everyone at the breakfast table, whether they follow a vegan lifestyle or not. With its ease of preparation and flexibility, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. So why not give it a try? Your taste budsโand your familyโwill thank you!
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Vegan Breakfast Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This flavorful vegan breakfast sausage is perfect for those seeking a gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free option. Packed with fiber from lentils and mushrooms, and sweetened with apple and maple, these patties are a delicious start to your day.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, stemmed and quartered
- 1 (19 oz) can lentils, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 apple, peeled and minced or grated, with liquid very well squeezed out
- 2 tsp gluten-free, low-sodium coconut aminos or tamari
- 1 ยฝ tbsp fresh sage, minced
- 1 ยฝ tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 ยฝ tbsp fresh thyme, minced
- 6 tbsp oat flour (gluten-free if desired)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC).
- Prepare Mushrooms: Pulse the mushrooms in a food processor until they resemble ground meat. Transfer them to a cheesecloth and wring out as much liquid as possible. Set aside.
- Prepare Lentils: Drain and rinse the lentils, then squeeze out any excess moisture. In the food processor, puree half of the lentils.
- Cook Onion: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced onion and cook until lightly browned and caramelized, about 30 minutes. (If short on time, sautรฉ for 2 minutes, but caramelizing adds depth of flavor.)
- Add Ingredients: Add garlic, the squeezed mushrooms, grated apple, maple syrup, coconut aminos or tamari, sage, rosemary, thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until any excess liquid evaporates and the mushrooms are browned.
- Mix and Form Patties: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the whole and pureed lentils along with the oat flour. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Bake Patties: Form the mixture into patties and place them in a greased whoopie pie mold (or on a greased baking sheet). Spritz the patties with olive oil using an oil atomizer. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 112
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg