Description
This Vegan Lentil Loaf is a hearty and flavorful alternative to traditional meatloaf, perfect for a satisfying dinner or special holiday meal. Made with tender lentils, a medley of vegetables, and seasoned with aromatic herbs, this loaf is both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups cooked green or brown lentils (about 3/4 cup dry)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1 small celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cook the Lentils: Cook the lentils according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Mash the Lentils: In a mixing bowl, mash about half of the cooked lentils with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables, oats, breadcrumbs, flax egg, tomato paste, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the mashed lentils. Mix well until combined.
- Form the Loaf: Press the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together the ketchup, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. Spread the glaze over the top of the lentil loaf.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until firm and golden on top. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the loaf mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: The loaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg