Mouth-Watering Vegan Meatless-Loaf Recipe
Dear fellow vegan chefs,
Are you tired of the same old lentil loaf or tofu-based dishes? Do you crave the savory goodness of a classic meatloaf but want to stick to your plant-based diet? Look no further than my Vegan Meatless-Loaf with Seitan Recipe!
Don’t let the word “seitan” scare you away. It’s just a combination of wheat gluten and nutritional yeast, and it gives this dish a hearty texture that is similar to ground beef without any animal products. This recipe also features other wholesome ingredients like oats, brown and green lentils, walnuts, celery, carrots, tomatoes, green peppers, and plenty of tasty seasoning.
Whether you are a longtime vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to please meat-lovers and non-meat eaters alike. So gather your ingredients and let’s get started on making the best vegan meatloaf you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a meatless-loaf that’s packed with so much flavor and texture that even the most stubborn meat lovers won’t be able to resist taking another bite. This vegan meatless-loaf recipe is the answer to your prayers.
What makes this recipe so great, you ask?
Firstly, it’s made with seitan, a high-protein meat substitute that’ll leave even the most dedicated carnivores feeling full and satisfied. But don’t worry if you haven’t heard of seitan before – I’ve got you covered.
Seitan is made from vital wheat gluten and has a texture similar to meat when cooked. It’s extremely versatile and can be seasoned and flavored to taste just like chicken, beef, or even turkey. Trust me, you won’t miss the animal protein in this loaf!
Secondly, this recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. With ingredients such as lentils and walnuts, this vegan meatless-loaf is loaded with protein and healthy fats. Plus, it’s packed with veggies like celery, carrots, green peppers, onions, and tomatoes so you’re getting a good dose of nutrients in every slice.
But perhaps what makes this recipe stand out the most is its versatility. You can switch up the seasonings or add extra veggies to make it suit your taste preferences. You can even make it gluten-free by using oat flour instead of whole wheat flour.
Whether you’re looking for an alternative to traditional meatloaf or simply want to try something new in the kitchen, this vegan seitan meatless-loaf will not disappoint. Trust me- you’ll be making this recipe time and time again!
Ingredient List
To make this meatless-loaf, you’ll need:
- Seitan (400 grams)
- Tofu (cooked, 1 cup)
- Brown and green lentils (cooked, 1 cup)
- Bulgar wheat (cooked, 1/2 cup)
- Oats (1/2 cup)
- Nutritional yeast (2 tablespoons)
- Tomatoes (diced, 1 cup)
- Celery (diced, 1/2 cup)
- Carrot (diced, 1/2 cup)
- Onion (diced, 1/2 cup)
- Green pepper (diced, 1/2 cup)
- Walnuts (chopped, 1/4 cup)
- Whole wheat flour (1 tablespoon)
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
- Parsley flakes (1 tablespoon)
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
- Onion powder(1 teaspoon)
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
You can find most of these ingredients in your local grocery store. If you can’t find some of them, try to get creative and substitute them with similar ingredients.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the ingredient list, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty of how to make this meatless-seitan-loaf come to life. Trust me, it’s simpler than you think! Just follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time.
Step 1: Prepare The Seitan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Drizzle some olive oil (1 tablespoon) on a baking sheet and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine vital wheat gluten (1 cup), nutritional yeast (2 tablespoons), garlic powder (1 teaspoon), onion powder (1 teaspoon), dried parsley (1 teaspoon), and black pepper (½ teaspoon). Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of water with 2 tablespoons of olive oil until the oil is emulsified.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, and use your hands to knead the dough for a few minutes. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
Then, form the dough into an oval shape around 7 inches long and place it onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes. Take it out of the oven and let cool enough to handle it. Raise the oven temperature to 375°F.
Step 2: Prepare The Loaf Mixture
While the seitan is in the oven, grab a large mixing bowl and add 1 cup of rolled oats, ¼ cup of whole wheat flour and a pinch of sea salt.
In a pan over medium-high heat, sauté diced onion, diced celery, diced carrot, and diced green pepper in some olive oil until softened for around 5 minutes. Add in chopped walnuts, stir for another minute then remove from heat.
Crumble the cooled seitan into small pieces roughly with your hands, and add them to your mixing bowl along with sauteed-sauteed vegetable mixture. Mix everything well.
Pour tomato sauce or blanched pureed tomatoes over it until fully coated with tomato sauce. Different people might like different thickness in their loaf; therefore this amount is adjustable
Add-in one last ingredient- nutritional yeast (3 tablespoons). This not only adds a cheesy flavor but also enhances the nutty flavor in this recipe consequently giving this meatless loaf recipe a more layered taste complexity.
Whisk all other ingredients in your mixture for another couple of minutes until thickened.
Step 3: Bake it!
Now add your loaf mix to a lightly greased lined medium-size loaf tin or make free-form on floured surface/ You can also shape it into patties depending upon your preference while keeping eye out for overall height shouldn’t be less than three inches.
Bake at 375°F preheated
Substitutions and Variations
It’s always great to have a base recipe to work with, but sometimes we like to add our own personal touch. Here are some substitutions and variations that can elevate this vegan meatless-loaf recipe to something even more amazing than it already is.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can swap out the vital wheat gluten with chickpea flour or coconut flour. You can also use cooked brown or green lentils instead of seitan. Not only will this add protein and fiber, but it has a meaty texture that’s perfect for this meatless loaf recipe.
If you like your food with a little heat, try adding some diced jalapeño peppers or red pepper flakes. This will give your meatless loaf a delicious kick that pairs well with the earthy flavors of the seitan and lentils.
For a smoky flavor, swap out some of the olive oil for liquid smoke or sprinkle in some smoked paprika. Even better, try brushing your loaf with BBQ sauce during the last 15 minutes of baking for a tangy and sweet twist on this classic vegan meatloaf recipe.
Another great addition is mushrooms. Finely chop them up and add them into the mix for an umami flavor boost. You can also experiment with different nuts such as pecans or cashews instead of walnuts to add richness to the texture.
Lastly, consider adding in some vegetables for an ultimate vegetable lentil loaf. You can use any combination of finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, tomatoes or green peppers. This will give your loaf a slightly crunchy bite that contrasts nicely with the softer texture of seitan.
Overall, there are so many possibilities when it comes to making substitutions and variations to this vegan meatless-loaf recipe. Get creative in the kitchen and you’ll be sure to impress even the most die-hard meat lovers!
Serving and Pairing
Ah, the moment of truth has arrived! It’s time to dive into your freshly baked vegan meatless-loaf with seitan. But wait, what’s the best way to serve and pair this delicious dish?
First, let’s talk about serving. You could slice it up and serve it as a main course alongside some roasted veggies, such as carrots or green beans. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, garnish your meatless loaf with some chopped parsley or green onion for an extra pop of color.
Now let’s talk about pairing. The great thing about this meatless loaf is that it pairs well with so many different sides and sauces. If you’re in the mood for something classic, why not serve it with some homemade mashed potatoes or gravy? Or, if you’re looking for a lighter option, a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be perfect.
But don’t feel confined by tradition! This vegan meatless-loaf is versatile enough to pair with some creative options as well. I recommend trying it alongside some cooked rice or bulgur wheat for a slightly heartier meal. Or, try serving it with some roasted vegetables drizzled in olive oil and sea salt.
No matter how you decide to serve and pair your vegan meatless-loaf with seitan, make sure to savor each bite! It’s flavorful and filling enough to please even the most die-hard meat lovers at your table.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Picture this, after a long day at work, you come home to the smell of this delicious vegan meatless-loaf with seitan. You couldn’t resist indulging in a slice or two, but now it’s time for bed. What to do? Don’t fret!
One of the best things about this vegan meatless-loaf with seitan recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Simply let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
When reheating, preheat your oven to 375F/190C and place the desired amount of slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush each slice with some olive oil and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Reheat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave the slices for 30 seconds to one minute per slice until heated through.
Another way to enjoy this vegan meatless-loaf with seitan is by making sandwiches! Cut the loaf into thin slices and pair them with your favorite condiments like mayonnaise or mustard. It’s perfect for packed lunches or picnics too.
But remember, never reheat your vegan meatless-loaf with seitan more than once as it can dry out and lose its texture. Keep that in mind and enjoy this meal any time of day, no matter how busy your schedule might be!
Tips for Perfect Results
I have mastered my vegan meatless-loaf with seitan recipe over the years and I want to share some tips that will help you get perfect results every time. These tips are essential for both experienced cooks and beginners.
First of all, make sure you measure your dry ingredients accurately. It may seem like a minor detail, but using too much or too little vital wheat gluten or nutritional yeast can result in a completely different texture and taste. Be sure to follow the recipe measurements precisely.
When mixing the ingredients together, use a gentle touch. Overmixing can make the loaf tough and dry. So combine everything until it’s just evenly incorporated without any chunks.
Speaking of texture, let the loaf mixture rest before you bake it. This will help the gluten develop further and give the final product a meaty texture. The resting time depends on the recipe, but around 15 minutes is usually enough.
While baking, cover your vegan meatless-loaf with seitan loosely with aluminum foil for part of the cooking time. This will help it not only cook evenly but also keep its moisture.
Also, when making gravy for your meatless-loaf, use low heat to avoid boiling or scorching it. This will ensure a smooth and velvety sauce to accompany your main course.
Lastly, slice your loaf carefully to prevent it from falling apart. Letting it cool down for a few minutes after taking out of the oven can help set it better which ease slicing later on.
By following these simple yet crucial tips you’ll be sure to create an amazing dish that will impress even die-hard meat lovers!
Bottom Line
This vegan meatless-loaf recipe is an absolute game-changer for both vegans and meat-lovers alike. Even if you’re a self-proclaimed protein fiend, don’t be afraid to give seitan a try or to experiment with different grains and spices to create your perfect vegan meatloaf.
Not only does this vegan meatless-loaf recipe boast a delightful texture and umami-packed flavor, but it’s also incredibly versatile; you can customize it to your heart’s desire.
So the next time you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or simply want to treat yourself to a cozy meal that both fills and nourishes you, give this vegan meatless-loaf with seitan recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Vegan Meatless-Loaf With Seitan Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats, soaked in water
- 1 cup seitan, minced
- 1 cup Bulgar wheat, cooked
- 1 cup rice, cooked
- 1 cup tofu, well mashed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup walnuts, ground
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
- 1 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Soften oatmeal in 1/2 cup water while chopping vegs. Do not drain off water.
- In a big bowl, thoroughly combine ALL ingredients.
- Optional: Add 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter to the mixture.
- Grease loaf pan(s). Bake up to 45 minutes depending on size of loaf pans. When a test knife comes out clean, it's done. I bake it in mini foil pans and freeze extras.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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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.