Savory Vegan Mushroom & Walnut Loaf
This Savory Vegan Mushroom & Walnut Loaf challenges the stereotypes of uninspiring vegan dishes. Known by many names like Nut-Loaf and Vegetable Loaf, this hearty meatless alternative is packed with flavor. A medley of finely chopped mushrooms, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant herbs come together to create a loaf that’s great for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Perfectly paired with rich, homemade gravy or a tangy BBQ sauce, this dish is not just satisfying but also an exciting way to enjoy a nutritious, plant-based meal. With an incredible texture and depth of flavor, it doubles as an excellent filling for sandwiches the next day, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (finely diced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons, plus additional for greasing
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
cracker crumbs or corn flakes
2 cups or 2 1/2 cups (processed into crumbs)
walnuts
3/4 cup (finely chopped (optional))
oatmeal
1 cup (uncooked)
carrot
1 cup (grated (optional))
parsley
1/4 cup (freshly chopped)
sage
1 teaspoon (dried (or more if fresh))
rosemary
1/2 teaspoon (crushed (more if fresh))
mushrooms
2 cups (whizzed until chunky in food processor (volume after processing))
nutritional yeast flakes
3 tablespoons
soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
soymilk
1 cup
flax seeds
3 tablespoons
tofu
1 cup (any variety)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x11-inch baking pan with olive oil.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely diced onion, minced garlic, cracker crumbs (or corn flakes), chopped walnuts, oatmeal, grated carrot, chopped parsley, dried sage, crushed rosemary, and whizzed mushrooms. Mix well until combined.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the soymilk, flax seeds, and tofu. Use a food processor to blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
4
Pour the blended mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet; adjust by adding more soymilk if too dry or breadcrumbs if too wet.
5
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the top is browned and the loaf feels firm to the touch. (Note that the baking time may vary depending on the moisture content of your vegetables.)
7
Once done, allow the loaf to cool slightly before slicing. This dish tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time. Serve warm with gravy, BBQ sauce, or ketchup, and enjoy the delicious leftovers on sandwiches!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Vegan Mushroom & Walnut Loaf?
It is a hearty meatless alternative to traditional meatloaf, packed with finely chopped mushrooms, walnuts, herbs, and tofu for a nutritious plant-based meal.
What are the primary ingredients in this vegan loaf?
The main ingredients include mushrooms, walnuts, tofu, oatmeal, cracker crumbs or corn flakes, onions, carrots, and a variety of fresh and dried herbs.
Is this recipe entirely plant-based?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan and plant-based, using flax seeds, tofu, and soymilk as binders instead of eggs or dairy.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake the mushroom loaf?
The loaf typically bakes for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the top is browned and firm.
Can I use corn flakes instead of cracker crumbs?
Yes, you can use 2 1/2 cups of corn flakes processed into crumbs as a substitute for 2 cups of cracker crumbs.
What type of pan should I use?
An 8x11-inch baking pan lightly greased with olive oil is recommended.
How should I prepare the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be 'whizzed' in a food processor until they reach a chunky consistency.
Are walnuts mandatory in this recipe?
Walnuts are listed as optional, but they provide a desirable crunchy texture to the loaf.
What kind of tofu is best for this recipe?
The recipe states you can use any variety of tofu.
How do I ensure the wet ingredients are properly mixed?
Use a food processor to blend the soymilk, flax seeds, and tofu together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
What should the consistency of the loaf mixture be before baking?
The mixture should be moist but not overly wet. You can adjust it with more soymilk if dry or more breadcrumbs if too wet.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the loaf tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
What are the best sauces to serve with this loaf?
It pairs perfectly with rich homemade gravy, tangy BBQ sauce, or standard ketchup.
Is the carrot required?
The grated carrot is listed as optional, though it adds nutrition and flavor.
How do I know when the loaf is done?
The loaf is done when the top has browned and it feels firm to the touch.
Can this loaf be used for sandwiches?
Absolutely, it makes an excellent filling for sandwiches the following day.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses fresh parsley, dried sage, and crushed rosemary.
What role does nutritional yeast play in the recipe?
Nutritional yeast flakes provide a savory, umami depth of flavor to the loaf.
Does the recipe contain soy?
Yes, it contains soy products including soymilk, tofu, and soy sauce (or tamari).
How should the onions and garlic be prepared?
The onion should be finely diced and the garlic should be minced.
Can I use fresh sage and rosemary?
Yes, if using fresh herbs instead of dried, you should increase the quantity used.
Is there any oil in the mixture?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus extra for greasing the pan.
What provides the 'meat-like' texture?
The combination of chunky processed mushrooms, chopped walnuts, and oatmeal creates a satisfying, firm texture.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a great dish for family dinners and is versatile enough for kids and adults.
Should the oatmeal be cooked before adding?
No, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of uncooked oatmeal.
Why do I need to let the loaf cool before slicing?
Allowing it to cool slightly helps the loaf set, making it easier to slice without crumbling.
Can I swap soy sauce for something else?
You can use tamari as a direct substitute for soy sauce.
Does the baking time vary?
Yes, baking time may vary depending on the moisture content of your specific vegetables.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious, plant-based meal that challenges uninspiring vegan stereotypes.