Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

The Ultimate Lentil Loaf


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: James Carter
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A hearty, protein-rich lentil loaf with vegetables and savory seasonings that rivals traditional meatloaf in satisfaction and flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 medium carrots, finely diced
  • 3 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground sage
  • ¾ cup rolled oats, ground into flour
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons warm water
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup

Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. 2. Mix ground flaxseed with warm water and set aside for 10 minutes.
  3. 3. Cook lentils in vegetable broth for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and cool.
  4. 4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large skillet. Cook onion, carrots, and celery for 8-10 minutes.
  5. 5. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  6. 6. Add mushrooms and cook 5-7 minutes until moisture releases.
  7. 7. Stir in bell pepper, tomato paste, soy sauce, and all dried seasonings. Cook 2-3 minutes.
  8. 8. Mash half the cooked lentils in large bowl. Add vegetable mixture and combine.
  9. 9. Mix in ground oats, breadcrumbs, flax mixture, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
  10. 10. Let mixture rest 5 minutes, then press into prepared loaf pan.
  11. 11. Whisk together ketchup, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Brush over loaf.
  12. 12. Bake 45-55 minutes until firm and lightly browned.
  13. 13. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then remove and cool 5-10 minutes more before slicing.

Notes

Let the loaf cool adequately before slicing for best texture. Stores in refrigerator up to 5 days or freezer up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 12g