Vegan Recipe: Hearty Lentil Loaf for Festive Holidays
Welcome friends and fellow vegan foodies! Today, I am excited to share with you my latest creation- the Vegan Holiday Lentil Loaf Recipe. This hearty dish is perfect for those cozy family get-togethers, or when you’re craving something rich and filling.
If you’re a fan of lentils, this recipe will be right up your alley. With three cups of cooked lentils as the base, this dish packs a protein punch that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. And the best part? It’s completely plant-based!
Now, I know there are some skeptics out there who are hesitant to try vegan meatloaf or lentil loaf. But I promise you, this recipe will change your mind. The combination of sage, celery, garlic, and onion gives it a savory flavor profile that even meat lovers will enjoy. And don’t worry about missing out on texture- the addition of walnuts gives it a nice crunch while the wild rice adds a soft and fluffy consistency.
So what are you waiting for? Don your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s start cooking! This Vegan Holiday Lentil Loaf Recipe is sure to become a staple in your comfort food arsenal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a vegan chef, I believe that delicious meals can be both cruelty-free and healthy. That’s why I’ve created this Vegan Holiday Lentil Loaf Recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely love this recipe:
Firstly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can make substitutions based on what you have in your pantry or even switch up some of the ingredients to make it truly your own. Plus, it’s easy to adjust for different serving sizes – just double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd!
Secondly, this Vegan Lentil Loaf is packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of lentils, wild rice, walnuts, sage, celery, and onion create a savory, earthy taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Not only is it delicious, but the ingredients in this dish are loaded with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Thirdly, it’s perfect for holidays or family gatherings as it serves as an excellent vegan alternative to traditional meatloaf. Plus, with a side of cranberry sauce and some roasted vegetables, this Vegan Holiday Lentil Loaf can easily be turned into a complete meal which your entire family (vegan or not) will love.
Lastly but most importantly, this recipe is 100% plant-based which means no animals were harmed in its making. By choosing to prepare and enjoy meals like these, we’re all helping to reduce our environmental footprint and promote ethical food choices.
So whether you’re new to vegan cooking or looking for the perfect main dish for your next family dinner party – this Vegan Holiday Lentil Loaf Recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredient List
Here is the list of ingredients that you will need for this succulent vegan meatloaf alternative:
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Lentils: This recipe requires 3 cups cooked lentils (1 cup dry). You can use any type of lentils you like, but I prefer green or brown lentils.
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Wild rice: 1 cup of wild rice will bring an amazing nutty flavor and a nice texture to your vegan lentil loaf.
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Flaxseed meal: You need 1/3 cup of flaxseed meal to help bind the ingredients together.
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Water: You’ll need 1 cup water to cook the wild rice, 3 cups water or vegetable broth to cook the lentils, and 6 tbsp water to mix with the flax seeds.
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Onion: You need 1 small onion, diced, and another medium-sized onion chopped to add flavor to your loaf.
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Celery and Garlic: These savory ingredients make all the difference in taste! Make sure you have 2 diced celery stalks, and at least 2 cloves of minced garlic.
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Sage, a classic herb that complements both meaty and delicate flavors. You’ll need at least one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh sage leaves.
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Walnuts: Add a crunch and some healthy fats by including ½ cup of chopped walnuts to your vegan meatloaf.
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Whole wheat flour, our binding agent! Use just enough – about ¾ cups should suffice.
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Balsamic vinegar – not too much, just a tablespoon – gives your loaf some depth of flavor without adding any fat.
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Tomato paste, used here for extra savory flavor – another tablespoon addition should be perfect.
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Vegetable bouillon, trust me when I say it will take the flavors in the best direction possible! Use one cube dissolved in half a cup of hot water.
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Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – everyone knows these spices! Use them according to your taste preferences.
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Optional: Add any vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms if you’d like more plant-based protein sources into your lentil loaf.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking and make this Vegan Holiday Lentil Loaf.
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the flaxseed meal and water, then set aside for at least 5 minutes to thicken up.
Lentil Mixture
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chopped celery and cook for about 2 minutes more.
- Add the cooked lentils, wild rice, and walnuts, then stir to combine.
- Mix in the thickened flaxseed mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, stir well, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes or until most of the liquids is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and add in the chopped fresh sage, salt, black pepper, and red wine vinegar.
Loaf Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in vegetable oil and water, then mix until just combined.
- Fold in the lentil mixture into loaf mixture until just evenly combined.
Baking
- Spoon the lentil loaf mixture into prepared loaf pan.
- Smooth out the top with spatula or back of spoon.
- Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 55-60 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Allow cooling in pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Serve slices with your favorite side dishes such as roasted veggies or mashed potatoes, topped with delicious gravy or cranberry sauce on top of each slice!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making a delicious and nutritious vegan lentil loaf, there are endless possibilities for substitutions and variations. Whether you have dietary restrictions, prefer different flavors or want to experiment with new ingredients, this recipe is adaptable and versatile enough to suit your needs.
One substitution you can make for the lentils is to use red lentils instead of green or brown lentils. Red lentils cook faster and have a smoother texture, which makes them ideal if you’re looking for a softer and creamier loaf. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
For the egg substitute, you can use ground flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of store-bought egg replacers. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a couple of minutes until it becomes thick and gooey.
If you’re out of fresh sage, you can use dried sage instead or substitute it with other herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also add your favorite vegetables to the mix such as cauliflower or carrots. Walnuts can be replaced by pecans or almonds.
Additionally, if you want to make this recipe more festive, add cranberries or serve it with a side of cranberry sauce in lieu of gravy.
The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to making substitutions and variations to this vegan lentil loaf recipe. Get creative and let your taste buds guide you!
Serving and Pairing
Ah, serving and pairing – the two ingredients that can make the difference between a good meal and an unforgettable one. You have crafted a beautiful vegan holiday lentil loaf, but what to pair it with? I’m here to help you create a stunning feast.
The lentil loaf is hearty and filling enough to be a main dish. The earthy flavors of the green or brown lentils, fragrant garlic, onion, celery, and sage make for a warming, comforting meal that tastes even better the next day. However, you’ll want to elevate your dish with some sides and pairing options.
Serving your lentil loaf with some roasted vegetables is always a wise choice. Take any vegetables that you like – carrots, parsnips, potatoes, fennel – cut them into uniform chunks, season with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, and roast them until caramelized in the oven. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and complements the savory flavors of the lentil loaf.
Another option is to prepare mashed potatoes or sweet potato wedges. Boil or roast the potatoes until tender, then mash them with plant-based milk, olive oil, and seasonings. Sweet potato wedges are even simpler – just toss them in olive oil and sea salt before roasting in the oven.
To balance out the warm flavors of this hearty dish, consider pairing it with cranberry sauce or relish. The bright acidity of cranberry will enliven your taste buds and cut through the richness of the lentil loaf. Or, try making a savory mushroom gravy to pour over it.
If you prefer something lighter on the side, green beans sautéed with garlic and topped with chopped walnuts would bring some crunchiness to your festive table.
As for wine pairing options: any light- to medium-bodied red wines would work great here – Pinot Noir or Beaujolais would be safe choices. For those who prefer white wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully too.
Remember – when it comes to cooking vegan food – feel free to experiment and let your palate guide you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning to entertain or simply want to save time on a busy weeknight, this vegan lentil loaf recipe is perfect because it can be made ahead. In fact, it actually tastes better the next day once all the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
To make the loaf ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions and bake as directed. Once cooled, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and remove the lentil loaf from the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
If you have leftovers after serving, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen lentil loaf, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the reheating instructions above.
Finally, if you’re looking for ways to serve this lentil loaf aside from simply slicing it up and serving it hot, consider making a cold sandwich with leftover slices or crumble it over a fresh salad for lunch. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making a vegan lentil loaf can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. To help you ensure your vegan lentil loaf is delicious and perfect every time, I have some tips that will make the process easier and smoother.
1. Don’t Over-Mix the Ingredients
Mixing the ingredients too much can make the lentil loaf tough, rubbery, and dry. To prevent this from happening, only mix until everything is combined.
2. Use the Right Lentils
Choosing the right type of lentils is essential for a successful vegan lentil loaf. Green, brown or French lentils work best because they are firmer and hold their shape well after cooking.
3. Fresh Herbs Are Better
Fresh herbs give your vegan lentil loaf a rich flavor that dried herbs cannot mimic. Sage is an ideal herb for this recipe as it gives the taste of holiday flavor to the dish.
4. Bake Low and Slow
Baking the vegan lentil loaf at a low temperature and slowing down enhances its flavors, prevents burning, and does not dry out the dish.
5. Make Sure It’s Not Too Wet
The consistency of lentils may vary depending on how they’re cooked or stored. If the mixture is too damp, add flour or breadcrumbs to absorb the moisture.
6. Let It Rest Before Slicing
Allowing your vegan lentil loaf to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing will help it set properly and make slicing easier.
By following these tips, you can achieve a perfectly savory and fulfilling vegan lentil loaf that even those who aren’t vegetarians would enjoy!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegan holiday lentil loaf recipe is the perfect dish for those who want to strive for a plant-based lifestyle without sacrificing any flavor. With its hearty and savory taste, this dish will satisfy even the most die-hard meat lovers. The combination of lentils, walnuts, wild rice, and various herbs and spices create a delicious and nutritious meal that will nourish your body and delight your taste buds.
Plus, with the substitution and variation options provided in this recipe article, you can customize the dish to your liking and use up any ingredients you have on hand. Whether you opt for a mushroom lentil loaf or a cauliflower lentil loaf, you can be sure that it will be equally delicious.
And with the make-ahead, storing, and reheating tips in this article, you can easily prepare this dish ahead of time and serve it up for any holiday occasion.
So why not try out this easy vegan lentil loaf recipe? It’s an excellent option for those who are looking to make more conscious food choices without sacrificing on taste or flavor. And with its impressive versatility, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Vegan Holiday Lentil Loaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 stalks celery
- 2 teaspoons sage
- 3 cups cooked lentils
- 3 cups cooked wild rice (you can use a wild rice/brown rice mix)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup dry whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 egg substitute
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
- fresh ground black pepper
- sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Chop onion and celery finely, and crush the garlic clove.
- Spray a frying pan with non-stick spray, and saute the onion, garlic and celery until onion is translucent.
- Add the sage.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
- Spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray and fill the loaf pan with the mixture.
- Press down.
- Bake 30 minutes covered, 10 minutes uncovered.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.