Savory Lentil & Vegetable Loaf
Experience the rich and hearty flavors of this Savory Lentil & Vegetable Loaf, the perfect centerpiece for your vegan feast! This wholesome meatloaf alternative combines protein-packed lentils, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices, all harmoniously baked to perfection. Served warm with a luscious gravy, it's a fantastic choice for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. This doubled recipe ensures you have plenty to share or save for later, but you can easily make a smaller batch by halving the ingredients and baking it in an 8x8 dish. Every bite is not only delicious but nourishing, making it a staple in any plant-based kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried lentils
2 cups (rinsed)
large onion
1 (chopped)
celery ribs
4 (chopped)
carrots
3 (grated)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
flax seed meal
2 tablespoons (none)
cooked brown rice
2 cups (cooked)
cashews
1 cup (processed into coarse meal)
vegan Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons (none)
dried basil
1 tablespoon (none)
dried oregano
1 tablespoon (none)
dried dill weed
2 teaspoons (none)
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2
Begin by rinsing the lentils under cold water. In a large pot, combine the lentils with 6 cups of water and a few dashes of vegan Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the lentils are tender.
3
While the lentils are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Chop the onion, celery, carrots, and mince the garlic. In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped vegetables and garlic until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Cook the brown rice as per package instructions and set aside. In a food processor, pulse the cashews until they resemble a coarse meal and set aside.
5
Once the lentils are cooked and drained, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetables, cooked rice, ground cashews, flax seed meal, and all the dried herbs and spices. Stir the mixture using a potato masher or fork until well combined. Adjust the consistency if necessary by adding more rice or flaxseed meal if too wet or vegetable broth if too dry.
6
Pour the lentil mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
7
After baking, let the loaf cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve it directly from the dish or flip it onto a platter. This savory loaf pairs wonderfully with baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, and a fresh side salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Lentil & Vegetable Loaf?
The Savory Lentil & Vegetable Loaf is a hearty, protein-packed vegan meatloaf alternative made with lentils, vegetables, aromatic herbs, and spices.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan and uses plant-based ingredients like lentils, flax seed meal, and vegan Worcestershire sauce.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the loaf.
How long does it take to bake the lentil loaf?
The loaf should be baked in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
What size baking dish do I need for this recipe?
You should use a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish for the full recipe.
Can I make a smaller batch of this lentil loaf?
Yes, you can easily halve the ingredients and bake the loaf in an 8x8 inch dish instead.
How do I prepare the lentils for this recipe?
Rinse 2 cups of dried lentils under cold water, then simmer them in 6 cups of water with vegan Worcestershire sauce for 30-40 minutes until tender.
What serves as the binder in this vegan loaf?
Flax seed meal and cooked brown rice act as the primary binding agents to help the loaf hold its shape.
How should I prepare the cashews?
The cashews should be pulsed in a food processor until they resemble a coarse meal.
What vegetables are included in this loaf?
The recipe includes chopped onion, chopped celery ribs, and grated carrots.
Should I sauté the vegetables before adding them to the loaf?
Yes, sauté the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic in vegetable oil for 5-7 minutes until softened.
What should I do if the mixture is too wet?
If the mixture is too wet, you can adjust the consistency by adding more cooked brown rice or flaxseed meal.
What should I do if the mixture is too dry?
If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a small amount of vegetable broth to reach the desired consistency.
How long should the loaf cool before slicing?
Let the loaf cool for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven to ensure it sets properly for slicing.
What are some recommended side dishes for this loaf?
This loaf pairs wonderfully with baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, a fresh side salad, and a luscious vegan gravy.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses a combination of dried basil, dried oregano, and dried dill weed.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The flavor is enhanced with ground black pepper, cumin, and salt to taste.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is a fantastic choice for meal prep as it yields a large portion that can be saved for later.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nourishing, plant-based dish filled with fiber from lentils and vegetables, and healthy fats from cashews.
Do I need to cook the brown rice beforehand?
Yes, the brown rice should be cooked according to package instructions before being added to the lentil mixture.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How should I mix the ingredients together?
Use a potato masher or a fork to stir and mash the mixture in a large bowl until it is well combined.
Can I serve the loaf on a platter?
Yes, you can serve it directly from the baking dish or carefully flip it onto a platter after it has cooled slightly.
What is the texture of the cashews in the recipe?
The cashews are processed into a coarse meal, providing a slightly nutty texture and richness to the loaf.
Does this recipe contain Worcestershire sauce?
It uses 2 teaspoons of vegan Worcestershire sauce to add a savory depth of flavor.
How many carrots are required?
You will need 3 carrots, which should be grated.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its hearty nature and the fact that it yields a large 9x13 dish make it ideal for sharing at potlucks.
How much flax seed meal is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of flax seed meal.
Can I use any type of lentil?
The recipe specifies dried lentils, typically brown or green lentils work best as they hold their shape better than red lentils.