The Ultimate Vegan Lentil Loaf

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Fancy a slice of heaven?

Ever get that craving for something hearty and comforting? This Vegan Lentil Loaf recipe is about to become your new best mate.

It's packed with flavour and is surprisingly easy. Honestly, you won't believe how good it is!

Brief Overview: Humble Origins, Big Flavour

Lentil loaf is a veggie twist on a classic. It's a great way to enjoy a Vegan Meatloaf Recipe or Lentil Loaf with Glaze.

This recipe takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. It serves 6-8, making it great for a family dinner or a cheeky meal prep session.

Main Benefits: Healthy, Hearty, and Hugely Satisfying

This recipe isn't just tasty, it's healthy too! It's a source of protein and fiber. Perfect for a Sunday dinner or Hearty Vegan Main Course .

What makes it special? Well, it's the perfect balance of textures and flavours that'll leave you feeling proper full.

The Magic of Lentils: A Vegan Meatloaf Masterclass

I remember the first time I tried making a lentil loaf. Oh my gosh, what a disaster. It crumbled. But with this recipe, it worked out! I’ve tweaked it for ages and this Easy Vegan Lentil Loaf Recipe is now perfect!.

The Ultimate Vegan Lentil Loaf Recipe Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, here's what you'll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, finely diced

• 2 celery stalks, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 cup cooked brown or green lentils

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• 1/4 cup tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water

• Salt and pepper to taste

  For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Don't be scared by the list. Most of it's just throwing things in a bowl. Let's get to cooking this Healthy Vegan Lentil Loaf .

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Fancy a bit of Vegan Meatloaf Recipe that's actually good for you? This Vegan Lentil Loaf Recipe is proper lush. It's easier than you think! Let's run through what you'll need, yeah?

Main Ingredients

Here's what you need to make this Lentil Loaf Recipe sing:

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Just your standard stuff.
• Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup / 150g ), finely chopped. Brown or white will do!
• Carrots: 2 medium (about 1 cup / 120g ), finely diced. The smaller, the better.
• Celery: 2 stalks (about 1 cup / 100g ), finely diced.
• Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Don't be shy!
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Adds a bit of magic.
• Dried rosemary: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) .
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) .
• Cooked lentils: 1 cup (200g) . Crucial! Cook them al dente.
• Rolled oats: 1 cup (90g) .
• Walnuts or pecans: 1/2 cup (50g) , chopped.
• Tomato paste: 1/4 cup (60g) .
• Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) .
• Balsamic vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
• Flaxseed meal: 1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons water.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, yeah?

Seasoning Notes for a cracking Lentil Loaf

Thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika are the stars. Don't skip them! If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne for a kick.

Can't find balsamic? Apple cider vinegar works a treat. This Vegetarian Lentil Loaf is about to be amazing!.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet.
• 9x5 inch loaf pan.
• Parchment paper (optional).
• Mixing bowls.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Honestly, most of us have these already. If you don't have parchment paper, just grease the loaf tin well. The Healthy Vegan Lentil Loaf is not far away!

Cooking Method: Baking the Ultimate Vegan Lentil Loaf

Fancy a bit of home comfort food, eh? Well, look no further! We're diving headfirst into the wonderful world of Vegan Lentil Loaf recipe .

Honestly, it's easier than you think. My nan always said, "A good meal warms the soul," and this one definitely does the trick.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, let's get organized. It is essential to mise en place. Chop your 1 medium onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks nice and small.

Mince those 3 cloves of garlic . Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit.

This is your flax egg. Safety Note: Keep those knives sharp and your fingers out of the way, yeah? Organization is key.

Get everything measured out. Trust me, it saves loads of time later.

step-by-step Process: Baking Magic

Alright, time to get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan . Lining it with parchment paper? Even better!
2. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for about 8- 10 minutes , until softened. Then, toss in the garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme , 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary , and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika . Cook for another minute.
3. Grab a big bowl and throw in the sautéed veggies, 1 cup of cooked lentils , 1 cup of rolled oats , 1/2 cup of chopped nuts , 1/4 cup of tomato paste , 2 tablespoons of soy sauce , 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar , and that flax egg you made earlier.
4. Mix it all together. Get in there with your hands if you need to!
5. Shove the mixture into the loaf pan and press it down firmly.
6. Optional Glaze Alert! Whisk together 1/4 cup of ketchup , 1 tablespoon of maple syrup , and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Spread it over the loaf.
7. Bake for 50 minutes . Keep an eye on it! You want it firm to the touch. The glaze should be nicely browned.
8. Let it cool in the pan for 10- 15 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips: Nailing Your Vegan Lentil Loaf

Okay, here’s where the magic happens. First, don't overcook those lentils! Mushy lentils will make for a mushy loaf. No one wants that.

Secondly, press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the loaf hold its shape. Finally, and this is important, let it rest! Cooling the loaf slightly before slicing makes it way easier to cut.

It is also great Vegan Meatloaf recipe .

A common mistake is not seasoning enough. Give it a taste before baking. Don't be shy with those herbs and spices.

You can prepare the mixture the day before. Just keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. This makes for Easy Vegan Lentil Loaf recipe

Seriously, give this Vegan Lentil Loaf recipe a go. It’s a game changer. Before you realize you'll be experimenting to prepare a Healthy Vegan Lentil Loaf .

If you want your recipe to be more delicious you could try a Lentil Loaf with Glaze . So, grab your apron, whack on some tunes, and get baking.

You deserve a Hearty Vegan Main Course .

Recipe Notes for the Best Vegan Lentil Loaf Recipe Ever!

Right then, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs for this Vegan Lentil Loaf recipe . I've made this lentil loaf more times than I can count, and I've picked up a few tricks along the way.

Honestly, it's become a family staple, even my fussy nephew loves it! Think of it as a super tasty vegan meatloaf recipe .

Serving Suggestions That'll Impress

Fancy plating? Slice the Vegan Lentil Loaf nice and thick. Then fan it out on a plate. A sprig of rosemary adds a touch of class.

For sides, mashed potatoes and vegan gravy are a must. Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans work wonders too. Don't forget the cranberry sauce! It's a classic with this vegetarian lentil loaf .

How about a dollop of vegan horseradish cream? A crisp salad is always welcome too.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftovers? Wrap the lentil loaf recipe tightly in cling film. Pop it in the fridge. It'll keep for 3-4 days .

Want to freeze it? Slice the loaf first. Then wrap each slice individually. This way, you can grab a piece whenever you fancy.

Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) or in the microwave.

Variations: Mix it Up!

Fancy a bit of a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Maybe a chopped chili to the veg mix. Boom! Instant spicy lentil loaf .

Need a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free rolled oats. Swap soy sauce for tamari. Easy peasy. Sautéed mushrooms adds an earthy flavour too.

Instead of walnuts or pecans, use sunflower seeds. If you don't have balsamic vinegar, use apple cider vinegar! And, if you don't have flaxseed meal, use chia seeds.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Each serving has about 250-300 calories. You'll get 12-15g of protein, 10-15g of fat, and 30-35g of carbs. Plus a whopping 8-10g of fibre! This healthy vegan lentil loaf is packed with goodness.

Did you know lentils are a great source of iron? Perfect for us veggies! It’s a fantastic hearty vegan main course .

I hope you enjoy making this easy vegan lentil loaf recipe as much as I do. Give it a go.

You might surprise yourself, you know?