Description
Hearty Mediterranean-inspired Vegetable Lentil Loaf blends robust flavors and nutritious ingredients into a comforting plant-based masterpiece. Savory herbs, protein-packed lentils, and roasted vegetables create a delightful meal you’ll crave with each satisfying slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Base:
- 1 cup dry lentils (green or brown)
- 2 ½ cups (590 milliliters) vegetable broth (or water)
Vegetable and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or use gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed (or 2 tablespoons chia seeds)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (vegan if needed)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse the lentils under cool running water, ensuring no debris remains.
- Transfer the rinsed lentils into a medium saucepan and cover with vegetable broth, creating a flavorful cooking base.
- Ignite the stovetop and bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the lentils to cook undisturbed, absorbing the broth’s rich flavors and softening to a tender consistency.
- After approximately 20-25 minutes, verify the lentils have reached a soft, fully cooked texture without becoming mushy.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully drain any remaining liquid using a fine-mesh strainer.
- Let the lentils rest and cool slightly, allowing excess moisture to evaporate and the grains to settle into a perfect, fluffy state.
Notes
- Opt for green or brown lentils as they hold their shape best and provide a hearty texture to the vegetable loaf.
- Enhance flavor by toasting lentils in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before boiling to develop a deeper, nuttier taste.
- Use homemade vegetable broth for maximum flavor complexity and lower sodium content compared to store-bought versions.
- Allow lentils to cool completely to prevent moisture buildup, which can make the loaf dense and soggy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg