Easy Vegan Lentil Loaf
Enjoy this Easy Vegan Lentil Loaf, a delicious and hearty main dish that's ready in just 1 hour. Perfect for the holidays, it's packed with protein for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Servings: 8
Calories: 238kcal
Ingredients
For the lentil loaf:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups canned or cooked brown or green lentils drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ground flaxseed brown or golden
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and line a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, for easy removal.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the onion and garlic until it's soft and lightly browned, for about 3-4 minutes. Then, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
- Add the lentils to a large mixing bowl and blend them using an immersion blender, food processor, the back of a fork, or a potato masher.
- Incorporate the cooked onion and garlic along with all the remaining ingredients into the same bowl. Then, mix until well combined. For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or a food processor.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared loaf pan. Alternatively, you can place the mixture onto a lined baking sheet and shape it into a loaf with your hands. However, using a loaf pan is easier and more convenient.
- To make the glaze, simply mix the ketchup and brown sugar in a bowl until well combined.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the vegan lentil loaf and bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow the vegan lentil loaf to cool for at least 15 minutes before removing it from the loaf pan. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Evenly Chopped Veggies: Ensure that the onion and garlic are chopped into even pieces for uniform flavor distribution throughout the lentil loaf.
- Mix Carefully: When combining all the ingredients in the bowl, mix carefully but thoroughly. Ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent results.
- Compact Firmly: When pressing the mixture into the loaf pan, be sure to compact it firmly. This will help the lentil loaf maintain its shape during baking.
- Monitoring the Cooking: Check it after 40-45 minutes to prevent over-browning. If necessary, you can cover it with aluminum foil to avoid excessive browning.
- Rest Before Slicing: After removing it from the oven, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the flavors to settle, making it easier to cut clean slices.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 416mg | Potassium: 542mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 93IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 4mg
