Description
This Hearty & Wholesome Vegan Lentil Loaf is a comforting, plant-based main dish made with protein-packed lentils, sautéed vegetables, and warm spices, topped with a tangy-sweet glaze. Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked green or brown lentils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water (flax egg)
- 1/2 cup quick oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Topping glaze:
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- If needed, cook lentils until just tender, then drain well.
- Mix ground flaxseed with water to make a flax egg and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, celery, and carrots for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- In a large bowl, mash the lentils, leaving some texture. Add sautéed veggies, flax egg, oats, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, soy sauce, vinegar, and seasonings. Mix until well combined.
- Press mixture evenly into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Combine ketchup, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze. Spread evenly over the top of the loaf.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until firm and golden on top.
- Cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing to help it hold together.
Notes
- Use gluten-free oats and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
- Add walnuts, sunflower seeds, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it oil-free by sautéing vegetables in water or broth.
- Freeze individual slices for easy meal prep and reheat as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
